NATO flank tensions rise as poland scrambles fighter jets after russia strikes western ukraine

Poland responds to nearby attacks

Poland scrambled its defences after Russian attacks overnight struck western Ukraine near the border. The incident was described as the latest alert of this kind. Countries along NATO’s eastern flank have become increasingly concerned about escalation in the war. The article says Russia appears to be stepping up tests of regional defences.

Casualties reported across the region

In Kharkiv, a drone attack killed three people and wounded five, the regional governor said. In Uman, strikes on an apartment block injured a similar number, police said.

Russian officials said air defences intercepted 644 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 94 headed for Moscow. The Russian-installed governor of the Russian-controlled Luhansk region said Ukrainian attacks killed two people there.

Bulgaria seeks NATO support

Bulgaria’s Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said Sofia had formally asked NATO to provide combat aircraft and antidrone systems. NATO had not immediately responded to a request for comment, Reuters reported. Bulgaria has proposed a moratorium on attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea and expects to join a NATO antidrone initiative by the end of October.

Reports of regional intrusions

Concern about Russian activity near NATO territory has risen since the summer, as Romania, Moldova, Poland and the Baltic states reported numerous drone intrusions into their airspace and waters. Drones struck two ships off Romania’s coast this week. After a commercial vessel sank off Bulgaria’s coast on Tuesday, Sofia summoned Russia’s ambassador.