Warsaw — Poland’s military mobilized fighter jets and heightened air defenses early Wednesday after Russian drones breached its airspace during an attack on Ukraine, prompting the closure of four major airports, including Warsaw Chopin. The Polish Armed Forces’ Operational Command reported that both Polish and allied aircraft were deployed to secure the nation’s skies, with ground-based air defense and radar systems placed on maximum alert. The response followed warnings from Ukraine’s air force, which initially reported on Telegram that Russian drones had entered Polish territory, threatening the city of Zamość, though the statement was later removed.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), confirming that Warsaw Chopin, Rzeszów-Jasionka, Warsaw Modlin, and Lublin airports were temporarily closed due to “unplanned military activity related to ensuring state security.” The Polish military confirmed that “drone-type objects” repeatedly violated its airspace during Russia’s assault on western Ukraine, with operations underway to identify and neutralize the threats. Residents in the Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin regions were urged to stay indoors as the military operation continued.
Poland, a NATO member and key supporter of Ukraine, has faced prior airspace incursions, including a suspected drone crash in eastern Poland on September 6 and debris from an unidentified object found near Belarus two days later, according to RBC Ukraine. The country serves as a critical hub for Western aid to Ukraine, hosting over a million Ukrainian refugees. Polish President Karol Nawrocki, speaking alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki, warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions remain untrustworthy, signaling heightened regional tensions. The Polish military emphasized that its actions were preventive, aimed at safeguarding citizens and airspace near the Ukrainian border. Reuters and the TOI World Desk contributed to this report, underscoring Poland’s critical role in regional security amid escalating conflicts.
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