Poland scrambled aircraft early Saturday to protect its airspace after Russia launched a large-scale attack on western Ukraine near the Polish border, Poland’s armed forces, a NATO member, reported. Both Polish and allied aircraft were deployed while ground-based air defenses and radar systems were placed on highest alert, according to an official statement on X.
At 03:40 BST, Ukraine issued air raid warnings across almost the entire country due to Russian missile and drone strikes. The Polish and allied air forces concluded their operation shortly after 05:00 BST as the Russian airstrikes ceased. Polish command described their response as precautionary, aimed at securing the airspace adjacent to the conflict zone.
Poland
This intensive assault involved around 40 missiles and approximately 580 drones targeting Ukraine, resulting in three deaths and numerous injuries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Saturday. Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as acts of terror intended to harm civilians and damage critical infrastructure, calling on Kyiv’s allies to supply more air defense systems and impose additional sanctions on Moscow.
Local officials reported ongoing attacks in various regions. Mykola Kalashnyk, head of Kyiv’s regional military administration, confirmed strikes on civilian settlements using drones and missiles. The mayor of Mykolaiv said the southern city was also targeted but suffered no casualties.
In related diplomatic news, Zelenskyy announced plans to meet U.S. President Donald Trump during the upcoming UN General Assembly to discuss Ukraine’s security guarantees and further sanctions against Russia.
