Tensions Escalate: Russia Strikes Ukraine, NATO Reacts

Russia attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure, triggering power outages and prompting Poland, a NATO member, to scramble jets to secure its airspace. This follows peace talks in Miami with U.S., Ukrainian, European, and Russian representatives exploring a potential settlement to end the nearly four-year war.

Early on Tuesday, Russian forces launched an attack on Kyiv and Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leading to emergency power outages across various regions, including the capital and its surrounding areas. The assaults prompted NATO member Poland to scramble jets for airspace security, a response following U.S.-led peace talks in Miami.

The Miami talks, which unfolded over the weekend, gathered U.S. officials, Ukrainian and European delegations, along with separate contacts with Russian representatives. These discussions aimed to explore the feasibility of a settlement to conclude Russia's prolonged conflict with Ukraine. Meanwhile, air raid alerts rang out across nearly all of Ukraine.

Ukraine's energy ministry reported emergency outages due to Russia's ongoing attacks on power facilities, which have been a consistent strategy throughout the war, particularly intensified during winter months. Poland responded to Russian strikes close to its western border by scrambling Polish and allied aircraft to safeguard its airspace, emphasizing preventive measures.