Russia launches massive attack on Ukraine - 3 killed, 30 injured

Ukrainian air defense intercepts Russian drone over Kyiv during massive overnight attack (Illustrative image) (Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images) Getty Images

At least three people have been killed and more than 30 injured in a massive Russian aerial attack on Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the overnight strikes as a "deliberate strategy" to intimidate civilians and destroy infrastructure, with regions across the country targeted.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 619 drones and missiles in the coordinated assault. Russia's defence ministry claimed its "massive strike" used precision weapons to target military-industrial facilities, while Ukraine separately struck Russian oil refineries in the Saratov and Samara regions.

NATO airspace violations escalate tensions

Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes on Friday, prompting Estonia to request urgent NATO Article 4 consultations. Only the Independent reports that Russian pilots ignored communication signals from Italian NATO F-35 pilots during the violation.

NATO has deployed fighter jets in response to the provocations, marking the second such deployment in two days. The Express exclusively reports that RAF Typhoon jets are deploying to Poland under NATO's Eastern Sentry operation as intelligence warns of potential Russian "greyzone" attacks on Poland before Christmas.

Pattern of cross-border escalation

Cross-border drone raids have become a prominent feature of the conflict, with Ukraine systematically targeting Russian oil and industrial facilities supporting the war effort. In July, sustained Ukrainian drone attacks forced the temporary closure of all Moscow airports.

Poland and Romania, both NATO members, reported Russian drone breaches of their airspace earlier this month. The incidents represent an escalating pattern of Russian provocations against NATO territory since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

Diplomatic efforts continue

Zelensky announced plans to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York next week. Trump previously hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last month, though no agreement to end the conflict was reached.

The latest aerial assault comes as Moscow has escalated its attacks on Ukraine while Kyiv and Western allies continue calling for a ceasefire. Earlier this month, Ukraine's main government building was hit by what officials said was a Russian Iskander cruise missile.

Sources used: "BBC", "Mirror", "Independent", "Express"

Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.