Poland deputy minister advises border residents on air threat

Poland's Deputy Interior Minister issued civil defence guidance to residents of communities along the Polish-Ukrainian border on Monday, 14 September, in response to a Russian missile strike that hit very close to a border crossing earlier this week.

What residents were told

The deputy minister advised border residents to familiarise themselves with the nearest air raid shelters, to keep emergency supplies at hand, and to follow official government channels for alerts rather than relying on social media. Residents were told not to approach or photograph any unexploded ordnance or debris they might find, and to call emergency services immediately in such cases.

Government's heightened alert

Poland raised its military readiness along the eastern border following the missile incident, which was the closest known Russian strike to NATO territory since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Polish defence and interior ministry officials have held emergency coordination meetings. NATO allies have expressed solidarity with Poland and pledged additional support for air defence monitoring along the alliance's eastern flank.