NATO scrambles jets AGAIN as Russia launches airstrikes near Poland in fresh WW3 fears

NATO warplanes have been deployed for the second time in as many days following another close encounter with Russian fighters.

The operational command of Poland's armed forces announced today that it and allied forces deployed fighters following a massive attack on Ukraine that strayed close to EU borders. Not only is it not the first time Poland has been forced to deploy fighters following Russian overreach during the war in Ukraine, but it is the second time in two days that NATO has been forced to deploy jets.

Poland deployed jets while activating its ground-based air defence systems to their highest possible alert level, the command said in a post on X.

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The organisation said: "Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest state of readiness."

Polish and allies air forces said the operation was ended after airstrikes carried out by Russian forces against Ukraine ceased, shortly after 5am BST. The command said its actions were “preventative and aimed at securing airspace in areas adjacent to the threatened area" targeted with more than 600 drones and missiles in an overnight attack on Ukraine.

Ukraine's general staff said on Saturday that it had recorded 165 clashes between its army and Russian forces in just 24 hours, with nearly every region of the country placed on alert.

The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia had launched 619 drones and missiles during the latest attack, including 579 drones, eight ballistic missiles and 32 cruise missiles. Of those, officials said they were able to shoot down and neutralise the vast majority - 552 drones, two ballistic missiles, and 29 Russian cruise missiles.

The Air Force said in a statement: "During the air strike, tactical aviation, in particular F-16 fighters, effectively worked on the enemy's cruise missiles.

"Western weapons once again prove their effectiveness on the battlefield." The Russian attacks on Ukraine followed a brazen invasion of Estonian airspace on Friday during which two MiG-31 jets strayed into the country "without permission", the local government said, "and remained there for a total of 12 minutes" over the Gulf of Finland.

Jets were scrambled from Italy, Sweden and Finland following the act a NATO spokesperson branded "yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and Nato's ability to respond".

Kristen Michal, the prime minister of Estonia, said in a statement that the military alliance's response "to any provocation must be united and strong". He added: "We consider it essential to consult with our allies to ensure shared situational awareness and to agree on our next joint steps."

The incursion elicited an angry response from US President Donald Trump, who said on Friday: "I don't love it. I don't like when that happens. Could be big trouble."