Russia’s latest missile and drone attack on Ukraine marks one of the largest air assaults since the war began more than three years ago. Nearly 600 drones and dozens of missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities overnight, killing at least 14 people, including three children, and wounding dozens more. In response, the United States’ NATO allies scrambled fighter jets out of Poland and Sweden to secure the skies over Eastern Europe. This escalation is not just a tragedy for Ukrainians. It’s a growing threat to American security, our allies, and the stability of the free world.
Poland confirmed that it launched fighter jets as a “preventive” move to protect its airspace. Though Poland’s skies were not violated, the mere need to scramble jets in response to Russian aggression shows how close the war has come to NATO’s doorstep. Sweden, NATO’s newest member, also deployed fighter aircraft as part of its role in the alliance’s air policing mission. These actions are not just symbolic—they reflect growing concern that Russia’s war is expanding beyond Ukraine.
The scale of Russia’s latest strike is staggering. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 563 drones, 20 cruise missiles, nine ballistic missiles, and two Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. Ukraine’s defenses shot down most of the drones and missiles, but not all. In Kyiv, a residential building was hit, killing civilians. Energy facilities and diplomatic buildings, including the European Union’s mission headquarters, were also struck.
This attack is a clear warning of what happens when rogue nations face weak deterrence. The Biden administration’s approach to Ukraine was characterized by hesitation and delay, emboldening Moscow. President Trump’s return to office in 2025 brought a shift in strategy, with stronger pressure for a ceasefire and tougher rhetoric toward Moscow. Yet Russia continues to test the resolve of the West.
By targeting energy infrastructure and diplomatic facilities, Russia is sending a message—it will not be restrained by international norms. Hitting a foreign diplomatic mission violates the Vienna Convention, a basic rule of international law. If Russia is willing to bomb embassies in Kyiv today, what stops it from threatening NATO cities tomorrow?
The military implications are just as serious. Russia claims it captured more ground in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, and Ukrainian commanders say Russian troops are now pushing into new areas like Dnipropetrovsk. While much of the war has been a grinding stalemate, Russia appears to be testing new offensives. The Kremlin’s goal remains unchanged: to break Ukraine’s will and force the West to back down.
For the U.S., this matters. A weakened Ukraine means a stronger Russia. And a stronger Russia means greater risk to NATO allies like Poland, the Baltic states, and even non-NATO partners like Finland and Georgia. If Russia succeeds in Ukraine, it will not stop there. History teaches us that unchecked aggression invites more aggression. Think of Hitler’s moves in the 1930s—each success led to the next invasion.
Right now, American troops are not directly involved in Ukraine. But our security is tied to Europe’s. NATO is a defense pact, and if Russia ever crosses into member territory, the U.S. would be obligated to respond. That’s why keeping the war contained—and deterring Russia from further escalation—is a matter of national interest.
We also must consider the cyber and economic risks. Russia has already used cyberattacks to target U.S. infrastructure in the past. If the war expands, those attacks could increase. Energy prices could spike again. Our supply chains, still recovering from years of disruption, could be hit once more.
President Trump has made it clear that peace is the goal—but peace through strength. He has criticized both Moscow’s brutal tactics and Europe’s overreliance on U.S. military power. The message is simple: America wants peace, but we will not tolerate unchecked aggression.
The latest Russian strike is a reminder that the world is dangerous, and American leadership still matters. Our allies are watching. Our enemies are watching. And the decisions we make now will shape the future of global security—for Ukraine, for Europe, and for the United States.