NATO scrambled warplanes from Romania following a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine, with the strikes occurring near the Danube River border with NATO-member Romania. The incident followed high-level talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as a series of recent attacks by Moscow on Ukrainian territory. Ukraine’s military reported that over 93 drones and ballistic missiles were launched overnight, with many targeting the northeastern region of Sumy. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the attacks damaged infrastructure and injured several civilians, including a family with wounded children. The strikes on Odesa’s oil and port facilities highlighted the growing intensity of the conflict, with reports of significant destruction and casualties.
The deployment of NATO aircraft, including two German Eurofighter Typhoon jets stationed at Romania’s Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base as part of NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission, came as a response to the threat of Russian aerial activity. Romania’s Ministry of Defense stated that no Russian aircraft or projectiles crossed the NATO border, though the attack brought further scrutiny to Moscow’s ongoing campaign in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy called for stronger security guarantees to ensure a lasting peace and emphasized the importance of international support in stopping the war. He thanked his allies for their contributions, noting that the strikes are ‘demonstrative’ and confirm the need for continued pressure on Russia.
NATO nations are set to hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, following recent talks between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy. The attacks have intensified calls for sanctions and tariffs against Russia, as well as for increased diplomatic pressure to end the conflict. Analysts suggest that the situation raises questions about the future of NATO’s commitment to the region and the effectiveness of diplomatic measures in deterring further aggression. With tensions rising, the international community remains closely monitoring the situation as Ukraine continues to face significant challenges in defending its territory.