NATO warplanes scrambled for a second day after huge attack as WW3 fears explode

Source: Express UK

Date: August 20, 2025

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The Russian attack was less than one mile from NATO territory.

NATO was forced to scramble warplanes overnight due to major Russian strikes on Ukraine. The targeting of oil and port facilities in Izmail, Odesa region, is close to the River Danube, which is the Ukrainian border with the allied state of Romania.

The attack by Russia was less than one mile from NATO territory. The strikes cast doubt on Vladimir Putin’s commitment to peace even as the White House seeks to broker an urgent meeting between the Russian dictator and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Two Typhoon aircraft belonging to the German Air Force, deployed at the 57th Air Base Mihail Kogălniceanu to carry out enhanced air policing missions, were scrambled to monitor the air situation in the border area with Ukraine, in the north of Tulcea County,” said a statement from the Romanian air force.

It is the second time in three days that allied planes have been scrambled in precautionary moves due to the intensity of Russian strikes.

"The [Romanian] Ministry of National Defence's air surveillance system identified groups of drones launched by the Russian Federation, which attacked Ukrainian ports on the Danube."

"During the mission, no airborne vehicles were recorded entering national airspace.”

The warplanes later returned to base." The statement said: “Close cooperation with allies in enhanced air policing missions strengthens Romania's defence capability and contributes to the deterrence and defence posture on NATO's eastern flank.”