Poland Scrambles Jets as Russian Drones Target Western Ukraine

Poland activated its military aviation on September 17 amid a Russian drone attack on Ukraine's western regions, the Polish Operational Command announced. Fighter jets were scrambled into Polish airspace, and ground-based air defense and radar systems were put on alert.

Explosions Near the Border

Sources of Ukrayinska Pravda in Ukrainian law enforcement reported explosions several kilometers from the Polish border in the direction of Yahodyn. Polish military authorities said the measures were preventive, aimed at protecting airspace especially in areas adjacent to threat zones.

Recent Escalation

A suspected Russian drone was found in the Baltic Sea near Poland on September 15. The day before, airports in Rzeszów and Lublin had suspended operations due to Russian reactive drones over western Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had earlier announced plans to speed up border crossings to avoid vehicle concentrations that could become targets for Russian attacks.