Poland activated its fighter jets on Monday morning to protect its airspace following extensive Russian strikes on western Ukraine.
Warsaw's Operational Command confirmed that "Polish and allied aircraft began to operate in Polish airspace in the morning" in response to what it called "the intensive air attack by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine."
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched a record 479 drones overnight. Mayor of Rivne, Oleksandr Tretyak, described it as "the largest attack" on his region.
Moscow deployed Tu-22M3 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers to target Dubny airbase near Rivne.
Russia launched strikes on western Ukraine
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Russian forces also fired Kinzhal hypersonic missiles from MiG-31 jets and launched four Kh-22 missiles at Snake Island in the Black Sea.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte is set to call for a "400-per cent increase" in the alliance's air and missile defence capabilities in response to threats from Moscow.
"We see in Ukraine how Russia delivers terror from above, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies," Rutte said in a speech at Chatham House in London.
Ukraine responded to the overnight assault by destroying two Russian military aircraft at Savasleyka airfield in Nizhny Novgorod.
Poland activated its fighter jets on Monday morning
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"According to preliminary information, two enemy aircraft (presumably MiG-31 and Su-30/34 aircraft) were struck," the Ukrainian military stated on Telegram.
Ukrainian drones also targeted the VNIIR Scientific Research Design and Technological Institute in Chuvashia, which manufactures navigation equipment for attack drones and precision weapons.
The strike caused a large fire at the facility.
US President Donald Trump is pressing Nato members to increase defence spending to five per cent of GDP, up from the current two per cent target.
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said in Brussels last week that allies were close to reaching an agreement on the five per cent target, which could be formalised at the upcoming summit in The Hague
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US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said in Brussels last week that allies were close to reaching an agreement on the five per cent target, which could be formalised at the upcoming summit in The Hague.
Rutte warned that "danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends," calling for "a quantum leap in our collective defence."
"Our militaries also need thousands more armoured vehicles and tanks, millions more artillery shells," he is expected to say.
Britain announced plans last week to construct up to 12 nuclear-powered attack submarines and six munitions factories as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.