NATO Jets Deployed as Russia Launches Major Attack on Ukraine

NATO fighter jets were dispatched on March 7, 2024, following a significant drone and missile assault launched by Russia against Ukraine. Local authorities in Kyiv reported that the attack resulted in at least four fatalities, including two children, with approximately 30 individuals injured. As the situation unfolds, the death toll is anticipated to increase, prompting urgent rescue operations.

In response to the escalating threat, the Polish government confirmed that both Polish and allied fighter jets were scrambled as a precautionary measure. Ground-based air defenses and radar systems were placed on maximum readiness to monitor the situation closely. The head of Kyiv’s city administration, Tymur Tkachenko, detailed that Russia deployed a combination of decoy drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, striking at least 20 locations across seven districts in the capital.

The assault caused extensive damage, with nearly 100 buildings affected. Notably, a shopping center in central Kyiv sustained significant destruction, while a five-story residential building in the Darnytskyi district was directly hit. A major road in the city was littered with shattered glass following the strikes. “Everything is destroyed,” Tkachenko remarked, highlighting the devastation inflicted upon the city.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko provided initial casualty figures, confirming the deaths of two children. Rescue teams are actively working to free individuals trapped under rubble, suggesting that the numbers may rise as search efforts continue. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the incident as a “massive attack” on the capital, marking a severe escalation in hostilities.

This attack represents the first major coordinated Russian offensive involving both drones and missiles against Kyiv since a recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska earlier this month, where discussions focused on ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In a coordinated response, the operational command of the Polish armed forces stated that Swedish Gripen fighter jets, stationed in Poland as part of a NATO policing mission, were activated alongside Polish aircraft. The operations concluded around 05:30 BST, with the command confirming that there were “no violations” of Polish airspace during the event.

As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, with implications for regional security and diplomatic relations. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a focal point of concern for NATO and its member states, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential aggression.