NATO warplanes scrambled and airports shut down as Russia launches major attack

NATO warplanes scrambled and airports shut down as Russia launches major attack Poland's air navigation services agency confirmed the airports in Lublin and Rzeszów have suspended operations as a result of NATO aircraft being scrambled NATO aircraft have once again been raised over Poland, with two airports closed following a fresh Russian attack on western Ukraine. The Polish armed forces confirmed that the "necessary forces and resources" have been activated this morning. A statement reads: "Attention. In connection with strikes by the Russian Federation on targets in the western part of Ukraine, conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles, military aviation is operating in Polish airspace. "In accordance with applicable procedures, the Operational Command of the Armed Forces RSZ, through the Air Operations Center – Air Component Command, has activated the necessary forces and resources at its disposal. Ground-based air defense systems and radar reconnaissance have reached a state of readiness. "These actions are preventive in nature and are aimed at securing and protecting Polish airspace, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened regions. The Operational Command of the Armed Forces RSZ is monitoring the current situation, and subordinate forces and resources remain ready to respond." Poland's air navigation services agency also confirmed that the airports in Lublin and Rzeszów have suspended operations as a result. A statement reads: "In connection with the need to ensure freedom of operations for military aviation, the airports in Lublin and Rzeszów have suspended flight operations." This is only the latest incident affecting a NATO country in eastern Europe in recent months, as countries like Romania, Bulgaria and the Baltic states have repeatedly reported drone intrusions into their airspace and waters. Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least 10 civilians and injured 73 others in the 24 hours leading up to October 18, according to regional authorities. Three western Ukrainian regions were targeted on the morning of October 18, continuing Moscow's recent campaign against critical infrastructure across multiple parts of the country. Ukraine has also launched a drone attack on Russia overnight, reportedly sending hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles towards Moscow and St Petersburg. A major oil terminal in St Petersburg was struck, alongside a large data centre, with footage circulating online appearing to show fires breaking out. Around 1,015 Ukrainian drones have been shot down across Moscow and several western regions, Russia's defence ministry claims.