Kyiv is under major Russian missile and drone fire.

Poland has also deployed fighter jets to defend its airspace, describing it as “defensive”. There are no reports of an attack on Polish territory.

“These measures are of a defensive nature and to protect and protect the airspace, especially in the neighboring areas of the danger zones.” The Polish army wrote on X., External

As a NATO member, Poland is a signatory to Article 5 of the Military Alliance, which states that “an armed attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against all.”

Fire from air defense systems in Kiev was seen lighting up the night sky, and explosions were heard from drones, cruise and ballistic missiles.

Several fires broke out in the city and an ambulance station in the city was damaged, leaving at least one person seriously injured.

This is the first large-scale missile and drone strike in more than two weeks since Russia struck Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Zelensky cut short a visit to Dublin after he said fresh information had emerged suggesting Moscow was planning to strike Ukraine.

“I urge our people to be especially careful, to protect themselves, their children and of course their families,” he said.

He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin “has been planning this massive attack on Ukraine for some time.”

Russian troops recently entered the city of Kostiantynivka, one of Ukraine’s last key strongholds in the east. If Moscow protects the city, it will provide a gateway to the entire Donbass region.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian commanders say they have recaptured more territory than they lost this year, citing disruptions to critical supply lines along Russia’s border with Moscow and Crimea.

The fighting has otherwise been at a standstill for months, with troops from each side stationed in large numbers.

Russia controls about one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory, most of which was captured in the first few months of its invasion by February 2022.