Details of Russian Drone Incursions into Poland and Warsaw’s Response
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Sky News, the Polish military announced early Wednesday that Russian drones had entered Poland’s airspace. The Polish air defence systems, along with NATO allies, have been activated to intercept the Russian drones. This marks the first time since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine that Poland has encountered Russian drones within its own airspace.
The Polish military command stated: “During today’s Russian attack on targets in Ukrainian territory, our airspace was repeatedly violated by drones. Operations to identify and neutralize these targets are ongoing. Weapons have been employed and troops are searching for debris from downed drones.”
The military further confirmed that operations were still underway. It identified Podlaskie,Masovian,and Lublin provinces as high-risk areas and urged civilians to stay indoors.
The statement added: “The operational command of Poland’s armed forces is monitoring the situation closely. Forces and units under our command remain on high alert for immediate response.”
In a separate declaration, Poland’s military described the entry of Russian drones into its skies as an “unprecedented violation” of national airspace.
The army also reported that “some of the drones entering Polish airspace have been shot down.”
According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Poland has also closed four airports temporarily, including Warsaw Chopin Airport-its main international hub-even though Polish authorities have not officially confirmed these closures.
The FAA noted that Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland-which serves as a transit point for passengers and weapons bound for Ukraine-was among those temporarily shut down.
Former Prime Minister donald Tusk said operations responding to repeated violations of Polish airspace are ongoing. He added: ”The military has used weapons against these intrusions. I am in constant contact with both the President and Defense Minister and receive direct reports from operations commanders.”
Tusk described Russia’s incursions into Poland’s airspace as highly provocative acts.
CNN reported that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is being kept informed about developments in Poland.
