During the overnight hours, a Russian long-range cruise missile, en route to western Ukraine, briefly trespassed into Polish territory, prompting swift defensive actions from the Polish armed forces. In response, all necessary procedures were initiated to safeguard the country’s airspace, including the mobilization of Polish and allied aviation assets.
This incident occurred amidst a barrage of missile and drone strikes launched by Russia against Ukraine, causing widespread devastation. On Friday, Russia targeted power facilities across Ukraine, resulting in power outages and claiming the lives of at least three individuals.
Traveling at nearly 500 mph, the missile entered Polish airspace at 4:23 a.m. (11:23 p.m. ET Saturday), penetrating about a mile into the country before swiftly exiting. Such an intrusion, even if accidental, carries the potential to escalate the conflict and draw in neighboring NATO member states like Poland.
In response to this violation, Poland’s Foreign Affairs Ministry vowed to seek explanations from Russia regarding the breach of its airspace. The ministry also condemned Russia’s ongoing aerial assaults on Ukraine, urging the cessation of such terrorist activities.
This isn’t the first instance of such an airspace violation. In December 2023, Poland lodged a formal protest with the Russian charge d’affaires following a similar incident.
Prior to the incursion, Ukrainian media outlets reported Russian missiles approaching the border with Poland during a significant attack on Lviv.
In anticipation of potential threats, Polish armed forces activated both domestic and allied aircraft, warning residents, particularly in the southeast, of possible disturbances due to increased military activity.
Meanwhile, Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukraine, purportedly in retaliation for Ukrainian actions during its recent presidential election, continue unabated. The situation has prompted U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink to issue repeated alerts, urging Ukrainians to seek shelter amid the ongoing airstrikes, which blatantly disregard international law.
According to Ukrainian military sources, the recent onslaught involved 29 cruise missiles and 28 Iranian “Shahed” drones, of which Ukraine managed to intercept a significant number.
As the attacks unfolded, Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi reported no direct strikes on the city but confirmed assaults targeting critical infrastructure in the broader Lviv region. In Kyiv, several explosions were heard following successful defense measures against incoming strikes, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Despite the intensity of the assaults, Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted around a dozen missiles over Kyiv and its vicinity, with no reported casualties or significant damage.
Ukrainian forces claimed to have targeted two Russian landing ships in strikes on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, further underscoring the escalating tensions and violence in the region.