WARSAW, Poland (AP) — On Saturday, Polish and allied aircraft were deployed in a "preventive" operation within Poland's airspace due to a heightened threat of drone strikes originating from nearby Ukraine. This led to the closure of the airport in the eastern Polish city of Lublin, as authorities took urgent measures to safeguard the nation.
The alert, which lasted approximately two hours, was prompted by an earlier incident on Wednesday when multiple Russian drones crossed into Polish territory. In response, NATO dispatched fighter jets to neutralize the drones, emphasizing longstanding concerns regarding the escalation of Russia's three-year conflict in Ukraine.
Following the incidents, the Polish military's operational command took to social media platform X to announce that ground-based air defense and reconnaissance systems were placed on high alert. The military highlighted that these operations were "preventive in nature" aimed at securing Poland's airspace and ensuring the safety of its citizens. While the statement acknowledged the threat of drone strikes in Ukrainian regions bordering Poland, no further details were provided regarding the specific risks involved.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk also commented on the situation, stating that "preventive air operations" had commenced in Polish airspace due to the threat posed by Russian drones in nearby Ukrainian territories. The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency confirmed that Lublin Airport was temporarily closed to air traffic "due to military aviation activities," and the government security center issued warnings about a potential air attack affecting several border counties in the region.
Later in the day, the military's operational command updated the public via X, saying that the operation "has been completed" and that normal operations for ground-based defense and reconnaissance systems have resumed. This swift action demonstrated Poland's readiness to respond to perceived threats, further illustrating the current volatile security environment in the region.
In the aftermath of the Wednesday drone incursions, Russia claimed that it did not intentionally target Poland during its military exercises. Additionally, Belarus, Russia’s ally, suggested that the drones had veered off course due to electronic jamming. However, European leaders remain skeptical, interpreting the drone incursions as a deliberate provocation by Russia, adding more strain to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Polish aircraft have been repeatedly scrambled in recent months to patrol and protect the country’s airspace amidst ongoing Russian airstrikes in Ukraine. Historically, these airstrikes have typically occurred in the late-night or early morning hours, making Poland's defense preparations increasingly critical.
