Ukrainian officials said 475 of the 537 Russian aerial threats were shot down.

Poland’s operational command confirmed that NATO fighter jets were launched in response to the sheer scale of the Russian onslaught.

‘Due to the attack by the Russian Federation carrying out strikes on objects located in the territory of Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation has begun operating in our airspace,’ said a statement.

‘The Operational Commander of the [armed forces] has activated all available forces and resources at his disposal.

‘The on-duty fighter pairs have been scrambled, and the ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have reached the highest state of readiness.

‘The steps taken are aimed at ensuring security in the areas