Two German Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft were scrambled overnight from Romania after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack in Ukraine less than a mile from the NATO borderline.
Romania’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the deployment from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, part of NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission, noting that no Russian aircraft or projectiles crossed NATO airspace this time.
Moscow targets Odesa and Danube River
The strikes hit oil and port facilities in the Odesa region along the Danube River, which forms Ukraine’s border with Romania.
Despite last week’s meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump, Moscow has continued aerial bombardments close to NATO territory.
Dozens of drones launched
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that more than 60 drones and ballistic missiles were launched overnight. Ukraine’s Air Force later updated the number, saying 93 Shahed-style drones were used, with 62 intercepted, along with one ballistic missile.
In Sumy, 14 people were injured in a drone strike, including three children aged 5 months, 4 years, and 6 years. A glide bomb in Donetsk damaged five apartment buildings, leaving several people trapped under rubble.
Zelenskyy calls for stronger sanctions
“These are demonstrative strikes that only confirm the need to put pressure on Moscow,” Zelenskyy said on X.
He urged new sanctions and tariffs against Russia until diplomacy proves effective, and renewed calls for security guarantees to ensure lasting peace.
NATO prepares response
The strikes come ahead of a NATO virtual meeting on Wednesday, where leaders will discuss long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
The talks follow Trump’s summit with Putin in Alaska on Friday, and Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy and European leaders on Monday.
