NATO fighter jets were scrambled on Saturday after a Russia launched a relentless missile and drone attack on sites across Ukraine – with President Volodymyr Zelensky later saying six civilians had been killed.
Disturbing footage showed residents in Poltava screaming as a strike obliterated apartment blocks, sparking fires amidst the rubble of collapsed buildings.
The strikes, which led to power outages across several regions, came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced in the Oval Office that his administration was engaging in talks with Moscow.
Mr Trump said: “We are having very serious discussions about that war, trying to get it ended.”
When asked if he had spoken directly to Putin, he replied: “I don’t want to say that.”
The attacks, which killed at least four people and left many others injured, appear to signal that Putin is determined to continue his war against Ukraine.
Russian forces deployed nuclear-capable Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers, launching Kh-22 missiles and others in the assault.
The intensity of the bombardment led NATO to scramble Polish and allied warplanes along its eastern borders.
Warsaw’s operation command stated: “Due to Russian strikes on facilities, including in western Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation are now operating in our airspace.”
The duty commander “activated all available forces and means at his disposal,” the statement added.
NATO aircraft were deployed while “ground-based air defence and radio-location reconnaissance systems have been put on high alert.”
The response was intended to secure areas along the borders of the threatened regions.
In Kharkiv, a drone crashed in the Kholodnohirskyi district, killing one woman and injuring five others, according to mayor Ihor Terekhov.
In Poltava, where an apartment block was hit, an entrance to the building was destroyed. At least three people were killed and ten injured, with rescue teams working in the rubble amid fears of more casualties.
Power outages were reported in Dnepropetrovsk, Kirovograd, Poltava, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions.
In Zaporizhzhia, Russia launched dozens of strikes, including 18 Shahed drones, damaging infrastructure, a multi-storey building, and homes, leaving one man injured.
Earlier, the historic Hotel Bristol in Odesa was struck, as explosions rocked Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava, Kyiv, and Odesa regions. Reports also indicated a strike on the Vasylkiv military airfield, 25 miles south of Kyiv.
Andriy Yermak, head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, said: “Poltava, Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia – attacks on civilians and residential buildings are standard Russian tactics. They even destroy their own villages in Kursk with bombs.”
He added: “This is the true face of Russia: murderers with no respect for any leader or nation. They only know fear, which prevents them from acting the same in Europe. For now.”
Mr Zelensky said three were killed in Poltava, two in Sumy region and one in Kharkiv.
He explained: “In Poltava, a residential building was hit, the entrance was completely destroyed – ten people were injured, including children,” said Zelensky.
“Unfortunately, three people were killed. My condolences to the relatives….
“Each such terrorist act proves that we need more support in protecting against Russian terror.
“Every air defence system, every anti-missile is a lifesaver.
“It is very important that partners act, fulfil our agreements, and increase pressure on Russia.”
While Putin’s forces continued their assault on Ukraine, he was seen presenting a bouquet of white roses to Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill on the 16th anniversary of his enthronement.
The Russian leader is believed to be furious over Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries, including the loss of the critical Ust-Luga port used for fuel exports.
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