Poland has reported a violation of its airspace by a Russian missile, sparking fears of a wider conflict as NATO forces stand ready to respond. The incident, which occurred near the town of Oserdów in the Lublin Voivodeship, has put the region on high alert.
The Ministry of National Defense confirmed that missile monitoring was conducted jointly with Ukrainian authorities, underscoring the collaborative efforts to safeguard against potential threats.
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the head of the Ministry, detailed the breach, stating: “At 4:43, the airspace of the Republic of Poland was violated by one of the Russian missiles… It entered our country to a depth of 1,000-2,000 metres.”
Despite the intrusion, Kosiniak-Kamysz assured the public that stringent measures were in place to ensure safety, with radar systems closely tracking the missile’s movements.
He stressed that Polish and allied forces were prepared to act decisively if the missile posed a direct threat to Polish territory.
“If there was any indication that the Russian missile… was heading towards a target in Poland, it would be shot down,” he said.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by the swift response from Polish authorities, with the Deputy Prime Minister saying: “All actions have been taken to inform the most important people in the country… We are in contact with the Operational Command of the Armed Forces.”
He thanked allied nations, particularly the United States and Great Britain, for their support in bolstering Poland’s defence capabilities.
NATO, of which Poland is a member, echoed concerns over the airspace violation, emphasising the need for a united response. The operation command of Poland released a statement confirming the breach, noting the missile’s trajectory and duration within Polish airspace.
The incident has prompted a diplomatic outcry, with Poland’s foreign ministry demanding explanations from Russia. “Above all, we call on the Russian Federation to stop the terrorist air attacks on the inhabitants and territory of Ukraine, end the war, and address the country’s internal problems,” the ministry’s statement read.
