Poland scrambles aircraft, issues warnings amid Russian attack on western Ukraine

Polish authorities issued danger warnings to residents in at least one voivodeship and scrambled military aircraft on the afternoon of October 16 in response to a Russian missile and drone attack on western Ukraine. The alerts were activated as Russian strikes hit the Rivne and Volyn regions, which border Poland.

The incident marks at least the second time Polish air forces have been put on alert this year due to a Russian attack on western Ukraine. Poland routinely scrambles aviation when Russian weapons approach its border airspace.

The attack on Ukraine's western oblasts resulted in at least one death in Rivne, damage to a school, and fires at truck depots in Kovel. Polish authorities asked residents to remain calm and follow official guidance.