NATO Jets Scramble After Russian Strikes Near Romania Border/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ NATO scrambled two German fighter jets from Romania after Russian missile and drone strikes landed less than a mile from the NATO border. Ukraine reported more than 90 drone and missile attacks overnight, leaving civilians wounded and buildings destroyed. The escalation follows Trump’s meetings with Putin, Zelenskyy, and NATO leaders in Washington.
NATO Response to Russian Strikes: Quick Looks
- Scramble Order: Two German Eurofighter Typhoons launched from Romania after Russian assault.
- Near NATO Territory: Missiles struck less than a mile from Romania’s border.
- Ukraine Hit Hard: Over 90 drones and missiles launched; dozens intercepted.
- Civilian Toll: Children among injured; families trapped in rubble.
- Targeted Facilities: Strikes hit Odesa’s oil and port infrastructure along the Danube.
- Diplomatic Context: Attacks came days after Trump met Putin and Zelenskyy.
- NATO Meeting Planned: Alliance members to discuss new security guarantees for Kyiv.
- Zelenskyy’s Call: Urges more sanctions and stronger international pressure on Moscow.
Deep Look: NATO Scrambles Jets as Russia Escalates Strikes Near Romania Border
KYIV / BUCHAREST (Reports) — NATO scrambled two German Eurofighter Typhoon jets overnight after Russian forces launched a major missile and drone barrage across Ukraine, with strikes falling less than a mile from Romania’s border, dangerously close to NATO territory.
NATO Scrambles From Romania
The Romanian Defense Ministry confirmed the Typhoons were launched from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base as part of NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission. The jets were deployed to “monitor the air situation” but found no Russian aircraft or missiles crossing into alliance territory.
The scramble reflects NATO’s heightened readiness amid repeated Russian strikes near alliance borders.
Russia’s Overnight Onslaught
Ukraine reported that more than 60 missiles and drones initially struck multiple regions, later updating the number to 93 Shahed-style drones and missiles. Of these, Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 62 drones and one ballistic missile.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy detailed widespread destruction:
- Sumy Region: A drone strike injured 14 people, including a family with three children aged five months, four years, and six years.
- Donetsk: A glide bomb damaged five apartment buildings, trapping at least three people under rubble.
- Odesa: Oil storage and port facilities near the Danube River, just opposite Romania, were among the targets.
“The rescue operation continues,” Zelenskyy said, noting additional injuries were still being assessed.
Diplomatic Tensions Rising
The strikes came despite high-stakes diplomacy just days earlier. On Friday, Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by Monday’s summit at the White House with Zelenskyy, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European leaders including Macron, Merz, Starmer, Meloni, Stubb, and von der Leyen.
While Trump described the talks as “very successful,” Moscow’s attacks suggest no slowdown in the conflict.
Zelenskyy used the moment to again call for pressure on Moscow:
“All of these demonstrative strikes confirm the need to impose new sanctions and tariffs until diplomacy is effective.”
NATO Prepares to Meet
NATO member states are set to meet virtually on Wednesday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, building on this week’s White House talks. The alliance is exploring options short of full NATO membership to strengthen Ukraine’s defense, including air support, sanctions, and expanded arms supplies.
Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency:
“We need strong security guarantees to ensure a truly reliable and lasting peace.”
Escalation Risks for NATO
The attack highlights the growing risks of spillover into NATO territory, particularly in Romania and Poland, both of which have reported Russian drone debris or close calls in recent months. Each incident underscores the danger that a miscalculation could draw NATO directly into the war.
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