NATO fighter jets scrambled after Russian spy plane approached alliance borders

Fighter jets protecting 's eastern flank have been scrambled for at least the fourth time in 10 days to intercept Russian aircraft flying close to alliance airspace. Two Swedish Gripens stationed at Malbork Air Base in intercepted a Russian IL-20 spy plane, known by its code name Coot-A, on Thursday.

Swedish air force spokeswoman Therese Akerstedt told the AFP news agency: "The plane was close to Polish airspace so we went up to signal our presence, make a visual identification and escort it out of the area." The scramble was Sweden's first under the alliance's enhanced air policing mission along its eastern borders. The Nordic nation joined last year.

It comes after the UK confirmed Typhoon jets in were scrambled three times in three days to intercept Russian warplanes.

This included being scrambled twice on April 15, intercepting a Coot-A and then two SU-30SM2 fighter jets, referred to as Flanker-H by .

The aircraft are stationed at Malbork Air Base alongside the Swedish Gripens.

Russia launched deadly strikes overnight on western Ukraine.

Warsaw's Armed Forces Operational Command said allied forces had joined patrols over Polish airspace close to the Ukraine border.

's defence ministry said Moscow launched a "massive attack" across the country overnight, involving cruise and ballistic missiles, plus drones.

At least 12 people were killed in strikes on the capital Kyiv which the Kremlin said were aimed at defence infrastructure sites.

Moscow's defence ministry said it had "delivered a massive strike" and that "all the targets have been hit".

said the attack prompted a furious reaction from who is looking to bring the war to a quick end.

The President said he was .

Writing on his Truth Social platform, he said: "Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let's get the Peace Deal DONE!"

said he would cut short his trip to South Africa following the barrage which he called one of Russia's "most outrageous".

The attack on Kyiv is believed to be 's biggest in nine months.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned , saying the strikes are a "real reminder that Russia is the aggressor here".