Moscow confirms it targeted military objectives

Russia launched a wide-scale attack using drones and missiles on several regions in Ukraine, prompting neighboring Poland to deploy fighter jets and close airspace near two of its border cities. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force declared the entire country on alert in anticipation of possible air raids, while Moscow confirmed it struck military targets.

Kyiv announced yesterday that Russia fired hundreds of drones and missiles at Ukraine overnight, resulting in dozens of injuries nationwide and at least four deaths, including a 12-year-old girl in the capital alone. In addition to the fatalities, over 40 people were injured in the Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Sumy, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv regions, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said after the 12-hour strikes: “Moscow wants to continue fighting and killing, and deserves only the harshest pressure from the world.” He added, “The Kremlin benefits from prolonging this war and terrorism as long as there are profits from energy sales,” calling on Kyiv’s allies to take tougher measures against Russia. NATO announced it decided to strengthen its mission in the Baltic Sea with an air defense frigate and other assets in response to drone incursions in Denmark.

Analysts said the shelling of Kyiv is among the largest Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital since Moscow launched its full-scale war over three and a half years ago. Ukrainian newspapers reported some residents fled to underground metro stations for safety, and many areas across the country were on high alert for air raids after the Ukrainian Air Force placed all Ukrainian territory on alert.

Military Targets

On the other hand, Russia stated it only struck military targets during the attack. Poland responded by deploying aircraft to secure its airspace following the bombardment, after NATO accused Moscow of a series of airspace violations against the alliance.

The Polish military said, “Our forces and allies have started operating within our airspace due to Russian Air Force activity targeting Ukraine,” adding, “We are monitoring the current situation and keeping forces and resources ready for immediate response.”

Military Activity

Reuters cited Flight Radar data indicating that airspace near Lublin and Rzeszów in Poland was closed “due to unplanned military activity.”

The Polish military described this as a “precautionary measure to secure the airspace and protect citizens, especially in areas adjacent to threatened regions.” European leaders view these incidents as deliberate and provocative moves aimed at provoking NATO and testing the alliance’s response. NATO warned Russia this week it would use all means to defend against any further airspace breaches.

German General Mike Keller of NATO believes Ukraine’s military capabilities for counterattacks are expanding to include military targets deep inside Russian territory.

Keller said, “The Ukrainians are improving in reaching important military targets, even deep inside Russia. It’s a matter of capabilities, including personnel, equipment, and training.”

Keller serves as Deputy Commander of NATO’s Support and Assistance Initiative for Ukraine (NSATU), making him responsible for coordinating military aid to Kyiv. The initiative’s team operates from the Lucius D. Clay barracks in Wiesbaden, Germany.