NATO jets scrambled as Russian bombers launch 'massive' attack on Ukraine

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NATO fighter jets were scrambled today in response to a devastating Russian attack on Ukraine. Vladimir Putin deployed strategic bombers and modern warplanes to unleash terror on Ukrainian energy and military facilities, causing major power outages in the capital Kyiv and casting civilians into darkness as the festive season approaches.

The Alliance's aircraft took off from Poland and other eastern flank countries following the offensive, which had been anticipated after Putin's warning that "a response will follow" to Ukraine's use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles.

There have been no indications that Putin's vaunted Oreshnik mid-range ballistic missiles, which he claimed could render nuclear weapons obsolete, were used in the assault. Instead, Ukraine was bombarded with Iskander, Kalibr, and Kinzhal missiles today, along with Iranian-designed Shahed kamikaze drones, launched from Tu-95MS strategic bombers and MiG-31Ks.

Chilling footage captured missiles soaring over the regions of Kyiv, Ternopil, and Vinnytsia. Enormous plumes of smoke were visible following strikes near Odesa and Ternopil.

Kyiv residents sought refuge in the city's metro stations amidst the chaos, reports the Mirror.

Initial reports indicate that a key Ukrainian airbase and storage facilities were targeted, and a facility involved in drone production and helicopter repair may have also sustained damage.

Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko has reported: "'The enemy continues its terror. Once again, [the power sector] throughout Ukraine is under massive attack."

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He added, "Energy workers are taking all necessary measures to minimise the negative consequences for the power system. As soon as the safety situation allows, the damage caused will be clarified."

Amidst these attacks, Ukraine's national power operator has issued a stark warning that half of the country could face blackouts, with temperatures expected to plummet to -5C.

In a pointed response to today's aggression, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took veiled swipes at Donald Trump following the former President's call for "negotiations" between Russia and Ukraine. Zelensky stated: "This is Putin's 'peaceful' plan – to destroy everything. This is how he wants 'negotiations' – terrorising millions of people. And he is not limited either in range or in purchasing the necessary components for the production of missiles."

Zelensky went on to say, "Oil gives Putin enough money to believe in impunity. A strong reaction from the world is needed: a massive strike – a massive reaction. This is the only way to stop terror."

He also urged for intensified sanctions against Russia to undercut Putin's missile production capabilities, asserting: "The world can stop this madness, and for this, first of all, we need to stop the madness in Moscow, which has been giving orders for terror for 20-plus years."

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