NATO warplanes were scrambled early today as Putin launched a “barbaric” wave of missiles and drones at Ukraine.
The “vile” Easter onslaught was carried out closer than ever to the border of NATO territory.
Some 99 missiles hit Ukraine in an intense Easter onslaught
ReutersPolish and other allied aircraft were scrambled as Russia bombarded close to the border of Nato[/caption]
East2WestThe intense attack caused significant damage and targeted infrastructure[/caption]
East2WestMany have been left without electricity[/caption]
Some 99 missiles and kamikaze drones were fired at western and central Ukraine in an intense attack which caused a significant damage.
A total of 58 of them were shot down by Ukrainian forces including four Iskander-M missiles.
Fragments of drones have been found in Romania on a farm near the border with Ukraine, the defence ministry reported.
Russian missiles possibly crossed the Moldovan airspace overnight as the country lacks any sufficient detection systems, the Moldovan border police reported.
Putin’s forces have deliberately targeted Ukrainian power plants and civilian infrastructure, leaving many without electricity.
Power stations were hit in Stryi, Lviv region, and Burshtyn, Ivano-Frankivsk region, both in the direction of NATO and EU state Poland.
Operational Command of Poland’s Armed Forces said: “We warn you that Polish and Allied aircraft have been activated in the Polish airspace.
“Intensive long-range aviation activity of the Russian Federation is being observed.”
Gas storage facilities were damaged in the Lviv region while generating facilities were struck in Dnipropetrovsk region where electricity outages were reported.
Explosions have been recorded in Kharkiv, Khmelnystskyi and Dnipro overnight.
British ambassador Martin Harris said: “Russia is stepping up its vile attacks on Ukraine’s cities and citizens this Easter.
“My Good Friday began in the bunker.”
The US ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget A Brink pleaded for more military support to be green-lighted.
“All night, Russia has ruthlessly launched missiles & drones against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure – now all of Ukraine is under air alert,” she posted during the bombardment.
“Russia’s barbaric effort to take the power out for millions of men, women, and children continues unchecked.
“Our assistance is needed now.”
Most of Ukraine celebrates Easter based on the Orthodox calendar which falls in May this year.
But Protestant and Catholic Ukrainians mark the holiday today as the Good Friday began with a series of Russian bombardment.
The strikes in Ukraine came amid rising tensions between Poland and Russia after the Kremlin ambassador refused a summons to the foreign ministry.
He had been called to attend regarding a Russian missile that flew over Polish – and NATO- territory for 39 seconds before striking a target in Ukraine.
There are reports that NATO could shoot down any future missiles threatening Poland or other allied countries.
Russian ambassador Sergey Andreyev failed to show up to the foreign ministry, citing that there was no evidence of the missile incursion.
He later left Warsaw for Moscow on his own accord.
Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said: “When we decide to respond, it will not be at the level of the ambassador.”
East2WestUkraine shot down 58 of missiles including four Iskander-M missiles[/caption]
East2WestPower stations and gas storage facilities were struck in the bombardment[/caption]
East2WestOvernight airstrikes have been recorded in multiple Ukrainian cities[/caption]
East2WestRussia deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure[/caption]