Russian drone attacks near the Polish border alarm Warsaw

The drone attacks on Ukraine have once again alarmed Poland. The crisis team met in Warsaw. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called representatives of the security authorities to a special meeting yesterday evening. The Polish head of government stated: "The escalation of Russian activities is becoming a reality, and the examples of this are moving ever closer to our border."

There were air alerts in two regions of Poland near the border and residents had received warning messages. The Russian drones landed on Ukrainian territory about 800 meters and five kilometers from the Polish border. Among other things, a passenger train that was supposed to travel from Kiev to Warsaw was hit.

Polish airspace not violated

Polish airspace was not violated in the attacks. The Polish armed forces had intensively monitored the situation - with F-16 fighter jets, helicopters and a reconnaissance aircraft. They were prepared to fend off projectiles. The Polish army was in exchange with the Ukrainian armed forces, it was said at the special meeting.

However, the head of government warned that it was to be expected that the coming weeks and months would be characterized by intensified activities on the Russian side. It cannot be ruled out that this escalation will also affect Poland. He hopes the worst scenario will not occur, Tusk continued. The Polish head of government had previously been warned by domestic and foreign security services that the situation could worsen in the fall due to Russia.

Poland sees attack near border as escalation

Poland apparently already sees the latest attacks as such an escalation. Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said during his visit to Ukraine on Sunday that Russia had attacked with modernized drones equipped with jet engines and improved guidance. He called it an escalation and another major challenge for Ukraine, but also for potential future victims of Russian aggression.

However, the fact that Russian attacks are coming so close to Polish territory is not new. Poland borders Ukraine in the southeast - incidents occur again and again. It was only at the end of July that a Russian cruise missile found its way to Poland and exploded in a Polish field. A year ago, several Russian drones flew around 200 kilometers to Poland. They were shot down.

The army is on constant alert. Donald Tusk made it clear that allies were also being counted on: “There is no doubt that we should be ready with our allies for a joint response should it become necessary.” Because Poland also protects NATO's eastern flank.