Ukrainian officials reported Russian attacks on critical infrastructure in the west of Ukraine, bordering Poland.

The air force said 436 drones and 38 missiles were downed by air defenses, with the help of U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets whose pilots shot down "dozens" of attack drones. "The work of Ukrainian fighters is extremely dangerous," it said.

NATO scrambled its warplanes after Russia launched a huge missile and drone attack on Ukraine. Over 500 missiles were reportedly fired by Vladimir Putin’s forces to down a jet. And a Ukrainian fighter pilot was hailed a "hero" as he died defending the nation from Mad Vlad's forces.