Poland raised the alarm overnight, scrambling fighter jets and placing its air defense systems on full alert, after Russia launched its largest drone and missile barrage to date against Ukraine.
The attack targeted cities in western Ukraine, including Lutsk and Zhytomyr, both near the Polish border, with 728 drones, seven cruise missiles, and six ballistic missiles, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.
Poland’s military confirmed it had activated “the highest state of readiness” for ground and air defenses.
“The measures taken are aimed at ensuring security in areas bordering the threatened regions,” Warsaw said, making it clear: Poland is ready to defend its skies — and its NATO commitment.
Ukraine’s Air Defense Holds — But Just Barely
Ukrainian officials said their forces shot down 300 drones, while another 400 missed their intended targets.
Major targets included:
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Lutsk (near Poland and Belarus)
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Khmelnytskyi, a key western city housing military infrastructure
Despite their defenses holding, Ukraine is under immense pressure from Russia’s relentless assaults.
Zelensky: Russia Refuses Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the timing of the attack:
“This is a telling attack — and it comes precisely at a time when so many efforts have been made to achieve peace… Only Russia continues to rebuff them all.”
Trump Frustrated with Putin’s “Bull****” — Considers Sending More Weapons
President Donald Trump, who has personally spoken with both Putin and Zelensky in recent weeks, expressed growing frustration:
“We get a lot of bulls*** thrown at us by Putin… He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.”
Despite pushing for a ceasefire and peace talks, Trump is reportedly considering the deployment of an additional Patriot missile system to Ukraine — a major move that would go beyond anything authorized by the Biden administration.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon is now providing Trump with new air defense options to help protect Ukraine’s western regions, including those bordering NATO territory.
Kremlin Signals Total War: “Putin Isn’t Listening”
While Trump pushes for de-escalation, Russia appears to be doubling down.
According to unnamed sources in The New York Times, Putin believes a full military victory is within reach and has no interest in peace unless Ukraine surrenders major territory.
“He will not sacrifice his goals in Ukraine for the sake of improving relations with Trump,” said Tatiana Stanovaya, of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.
The Kremlin reportedly believes Ukraine’s defenses could crack within months, making them unwilling to negotiate now — especially with Putin sensing weakness in the West.
