NATO scrambled its war planes early today in an act of self defence amid Vladimir Putin’s heaviest strikes on Ukraine in months, leading to multiple civilian deaths including three children.

Russia was also hit hard with Ukrainian strikes, leading to the Kremlin’s air defences shooting in panic – but missing – an Airbus A320-251N packed with its own tourists from Turkish resort Bodrum, according to reports.

And at least ten Russian government aircraft used for high-ranking state and military officials fled Moscow flying east.

It was not immediately clear if the exodus was a drill for an emergency evacuation, or the real thing, amid an onslaught from Ukrainian drones which led to the temporary closures of major Moscow airports.

The whereabouts of dictator Putin was not immediately known.

Among the planes that left Moscow eastward in the direction of the Urals were four Tu-154s, one Il-62M, a pair of Tu-134s, a Tu-214, and transport aircraft Il-76MD and An-148.

Russia has a network of bunkers hundreds and thousands of miles west of the capital for use in wartime if Moscow is under siege.

There was no official comment as one report stated: ‘The mass departure of government planes from Moscow may indicate training to evacuate top leadership.’

A total of at least 13 people were killed, including three children, and 57 injured in the attacks by Russia, among the strongest of the entire war

A total of at least 13 people were killed, including three children, and 57 injured in the attacks by Russia, among the strongest of the entire war

Three died in Kyiv region, with at least 26 wounded here and in the city, including at least three children

Three died in Kyiv region, with at least 26 wounded here and in the city, including at least three children

At least ten Russian government aircraft used for high-ranking state and military officials fled Moscow flying east - it was not immediately clear if the exodus was a drill for an emergency evacuation, or the real thing

At least ten Russian government aircraft used for high-ranking state and military officials fled Moscow flying east – it was not immediately clear if the exodus was a drill for an emergency evacuation, or the real thing

In Khmelnytskyi region, at least four people were killed and five injured in Putin's overnight strikes

In Khmelnytskyi region, at least four people were killed and five injured in Putin’s overnight strikes

It coincided with the first time in many months that Russia deployed the entire spectrum of its nuclear-capable strategic bombers against Ukraine, firing conventional missiles from Tu-22M3, Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft – in addition to the use of kamikaze drones.

Amid savage attacks from Putin’s armed forces on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, Polish military high command announced it had ‘activated all available forces and resources’ on NATO’s eastern flank.

‘On-duty fighter pairs have been scrambled, and the ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have reached the highest state of readiness,’ said a statement.

‘The steps taken are aimed at ensuring security in the areas bordering the threatened areas.’

A total of at least 13 people were killed, including three children, and 57 injured in the attacks by Russia, among the strongest of the entire war, according to latest figures, the clearest proof yet that Putin has no interest in Donald Trump’s peace moves and is bent on eviscerating Ukraine.  

Three died in Kyiv region, with at least 26 wounded here and in the city, including at least three children.  

In the capital, a student dormitory was hit.

In Khmelnytskyi region, at least four people were killed and five injured in Putin’s overnight strikes.

Odesa was hit with Kalibr cruise missiles from vessels in Putin's Black Sea Fleet

Odesa was hit with Kalibr cruise missiles from vessels in Putin’s Black Sea Fleet

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, private houses are seen ruined after a Russian drones attack in Kyiv region, Ukraine

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, private houses are seen ruined after a Russian drones attack in Kyiv region, Ukraine

Amid savage attacks from Putin's armed forces on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, Polish military high command announced it had 'activated all available forces and resources' on NATO's eastern flank

Amid savage attacks from Putin’s armed forces on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, Polish military high command announced it had ‘activated all available forces and resources’ on NATO’s eastern flank

Six private houses were completely destroyed and dozens more damaged.

In Zhytomyr region, the Russian blitzkrieg killed three children – aged eight, 12 and 17.

Another 12 people were injured, with private houses destroyed and damaged.

In Mykolaiv, people were trapped under the rubble of a residential block, where the upper floors were destroyed.

One woman was killed and another, aged 20, is fighting for her life in intensive care following the barbaric Shahed drone strike.

In Konotop, the mayor told of the largest aerial strike since World War Two.

Chernihiv region was hit by a wave of missiles and drones, triggering fires.

Kharkiv was under fierce attack with an office building hit and three wounded.

The latest carnage adds to growing evidence that far from taking steps towards peace Putin is engaged in ever stronger attacks on Ukraine likely as a prelude to a major summer offensive seeking to grab new territory

The latest carnage adds to growing evidence that far from taking steps towards peace Putin is engaged in ever stronger attacks on Ukraine likely as a prelude to a major summer offensive seeking to grab new territory

Ukraine said 45 cruise missiles were shot down, and 266 drones, from 367 separate strikes

Ukraine said 45 cruise missiles were shot down, and 266 drones, from 367 separate strikes

A chilling video showed Russian shelling of Vovchansk, in Kharkiv region.

Odesa was hit with Kalibr cruise missiles from vessels in Putin’s Black Sea Fleet.

The latest carnage adds to growing evidence that far from taking steps towards peace – as Trump has demanded – Putin is engaged in ever stronger attacks on Ukraine likely as a prelude to a major summer offensive seeking to grab new territory in on Kharkiv, Sumy and Dnipro regions beginning next month.

Up to 50,000 Russian troops are being prepared for an advance, according to reports.

Ukraine struck Migalovo military airfield in Tver region – and in the panic air defences shot at an aircraft.

Initially it was thought to be a Tu-160 nuclear bomber.

A Tver resident was heard on footage declaring: ‘Why the f*** are they shooting at a plane?’

Reports on Telegram indicated the aircraft was a Pegasus airline flight PC1456 tourist plane from Bodrum to Moscow.

Emergency workers extinguish fire in the debris of a private house that was destroyed in a Russian rocket strike

Emergency workers extinguish fire in the debris of a private house that was destroyed in a Russian rocket strike

Up to 50,000 Russian troops are being prepared for an advance, according to reports

Up to 50,000 Russian troops are being prepared for an advance, according to reports

It later landed successfully at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport.

The military airfield – seen ablaze – is home of the 196th military transport aviation regiment, military unit 41486.

It is the base for Russia’s Antonov An-22 aircraft, the world’s largest turboprop-powered planes, along with Ilyushin Il-76 and Antonov An-12 transport aircraft.

In Tula region, a downed drone hit an apartment block.

‘It was torn apart… Everything was torn apart… The whole entrance,’ said a resident.

Russia claimed 110 Ukrainian drones had been shot down over its territory. 

Putin deployed no less than Tu-95MS strategic bombers in the assault.

Ukraine said 45 cruise missiles were shot down, and 266 drones, from 367 separate strikes.

Some Shahed drones and UAV decoys, 55 cruise missiles, nine ballistic missiles and four Kh-59/69 air-launched missiles were launched by Russia

Some Shahed drones and UAV decoys, 55 cruise missiles, nine ballistic missiles and four Kh-59/69 air-launched missiles were launched by Russia

After the horrific strikes, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded for tougher Western action against Putin

After the horrific strikes, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded for tougher Western action against Putin

Some Shahed drones and UAV decoys, 55 cruise missiles, nine ballistic missiles and four Kh-59/69 air-launched missiles were launched by Russia.

The armed forces said: ‘Most regions of Ukraine were affected by the enemy attack.

‘Enemy airstrikes were recorded in 22 locations, as well as downed cruise missiles and strike UAVs in 15 locations.

‘Unfortunately, tonight, due to the barbaric attack by the Russians, there are dead and injured, among them children…

‘We express our condolences to the families of the dead and injured.’

Separately, a dramatic video showed a spectacular Ukrainian strike on a Russian train in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region.

At least three fuel wagons exploded from the drone strike, as seen on aerial footage.

The hit disrupted supplies to both occupied Zaporizhzhia and Crimea. 

The Ukrainian leader accused Donald Trump of 'silence' in the face of Russian barbarity

The Ukrainian leader accused Donald Trump of ‘silence’ in the face of Russian barbarity

The Ukrainian armed forces said 'enemy airstrikes were recorded in 22 locations, as well as downed cruise missiles and strike UAVs in 15 locations'

The Ukrainian armed forces said ‘enemy airstrikes were recorded in 22 locations, as well as downed cruise missiles and strike UAVs in 15 locations’

After the horrific strikes, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded for tougher Western action against Putin, accusing Donald Trump of ‘silence’ in the face of Russian barbarity.

He revealed more than 30 Ukrainian cities, towns and villages were hit in the overnight onslaught.

As he spoke, the siren again sounded in Kyiv.

‘Each such terrorist Russian strike is a sufficient reason for new sanctions against [Putin], he said.

‘Russia is dragging out this war and killing every day.

‘The world may be taking a weekend off, but the war continues, regardless of weekends and weekdays.

‘This cannot be ignored.’

Referring to Trump’s reluctance to criticise or sanction Putin, he said:

‘America’s silence, the silence of others in the world, only encourages Putin.’

'The world may be taking a weekend off, but the war continues, regardless of weekends and weekdays,' Zelenskyy said

‘The world may be taking a weekend off, but the war continues, regardless of weekends and weekdays,’ Zelenskyy said

His blunt words risk reopening wounds with the White House.

He warned: ‘Without really strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped.

‘Sanctions will definitely help. Determination is what matters now – the determination of the United States, the determination of European countries, of all those in the world who want peace.

‘The world knows all the weaknesses of the Russian economy.

‘It is possible to stop the war, but only through the necessary force of pressure on Russia. Putin must be forced to think not about launching missiles, but about ending the war.’

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