NATO warplanes scrambled after Putin's 'record' 9-hour missile attack on Ukraine

NATO has scrambled a number of warplanes after Vladimir Putin unleashed a record-breaking barrage of missiles on Ukraine.

The Ukraine capital suffered nine hours and nine minutes of hell from Vladimir Putin, leaving 10 dead and 48 injured, with dozens hospitalised. The intense strikes forced NATO to scramble warplanes amid fears of a threat to neighbouring allied state Poland.

Putin’s horrific bombardment of the Ukraine capital is the strongest evidence so far that he has no intention of engaging with Donald Trump’s peace moves, as he also shies away from a face-to-face meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky.

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Russia hit Kyiv with cruise missiles, and hypersonic Kinzhal - or Dagger - ballistic missiles as well as deadly Shahed drones - shrouding the city in smoke in one of the harshest strikes of the entire three-and-a-half year war. It's believed a total of 600 drones and 31 missiles were unleashed on the capital, leaving the dawn sun barely visible due to the smog from strikes polluting the sky. Ukraine claims to have downed 563 drones and 26 missiles to defend the city.

Russian source War Gonzo in a sickening boast claimed Kyiv was hit overnight “with a record number of ballistic missiles”. Rescuers were today searching under the rubble for civilians targeted by Putin’s war machine, as firefighting helicopters were called in to douse fires from the carnage. It's undertstood that the EU mission to Ukraine was also damaged in the Russian strikes, according to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

People were crying out for help from under the rubble of blitzed multi-storey residential buildings. There were harrowing scenes as the body of a small child was pulled from the smouldering debris in Darnytskyi district. Three were brought out alive. Among the wounded were five children aged from seven to 17. Earlier reports said a girl, 14, was among the dead.

In a relentless wave of strikes a multi-storey building at 56 Kharkivske Highway was twice hit by missiles, indicating a deliberate Russian strategy of targeting civilian buildings, as seen on shocking footage.

In contrast, Ukraine in overnight strikes hits several Russian oil refineries supplying the armed forces, seen as legitimate military targets.

Ukrainian interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said: “Titanic efforts are currently being made by rescuers of the State Emergency Service at the crash sites in Kyiv….. Fragments of bodies have also been recovered - identification is still difficult. About 30 people have been injured.”

He told how “three people were pulled out alive from under the rubble. There is a high probability that there are still people under the ruins. Climbers, dog handlers, psychologists, engineering, and fire and rescue equipment have been involved. Robotic equipment is being actively used to clear the area so that rescuers can work faster. A total of about 500 rescuers and 1,000 police officers are working simultaneously in Kyiv.”

NATO scrambled warplanes over Poland due to the intensity of the Russian blitzkrieg.

“Polish and allied aircraft have commenced operations, and ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have reached the highest level of alert,” said Warsaw’s armed forces operational commander.

This was due to missile attacks on Ukraine by Putin’s long range aviation. The NATO fighters were scrambled in a “preventative” move “aimed at securing airspace and protecting citizens, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened area”.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Putin who "chooses ballistics over the negotiating table”.

"Right now in Kyiv, the rubble of a regular residential building is being cleared after a Russian strike,” he said. "Another massive attack against our cities and communities. More killings."

“Unfortunately, at least eight deaths are already known. Among them is one child. My condolences to all the relatives and loved ones. People may still be trapped under the rubble. Dozens are injured. Today's Russian missiles and strike drones are a clear response to everyone in the world who for weeks and months has called for a ceasefire and real diplomacy.

“Russia chooses ballistics over the negotiating table. It chooses to continue the killings rather than end the war. And this means that Russia still does not fear the consequences. Russia still takes advantage of the fact that at least part of the world closes its eyes to the killed children and looks for excuses for Putin.”

He called for China and Hungary - seen as apologists for Putin - to react to today’s wanton violence. “The death of children should definitely cause stronger emotions than anything else. We expect a reaction from everyone in the world who called for peace but now more often remains silent than takes principled positions,” he said.

“And it is definitely time for new tough sanctions against Russia for everything it is doing. All deadlines have already been missed, dozens of opportunities for diplomacy spoiled. Russia must feel its responsibility for every strike, for every day of this war. Eternal memory to all victims of Russia!”

Russia also hit Vinnytsia region, resulting in power cuts for 60,000 consumers and striking a railway junction and knocking out railway carriages. As a result of hits on energy facilities, 60,000 consumers in 29 settlements were left without power.

Ukrainian strikes on Russia left the Afipsky refinery in Krasnodar region ablaze after eight thunderous explosions. In Samara region, the Kuybyshevsk refinery ignited in flames following a drone strike.

Petrol prices are soaring in Russia following a succession of Ukrainian hits on key oil facilities in recent weeks, which have led to a 21 per cent slashing of oil production in August.

Putin’s regional governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said: “Our region was attacked by enemy UAVs. Air defence and operational services are working. Temporary restrictions on the reception and departure of aircraft have been introduced at Samara airport. For the safety of citizens, restrictions on mobile internet operation have been imposed.”

In Rostov, 89 people were evacuated after debris from a show down drone hit the roof of a residential building.