NATO warplanes were scrambled over Poland and two airports were shut down after a renewed Russian drone assault on western Ukraine. The Polish armed forces confirmed that "necessary forces and resources" were activated on the morning of October 19.
Ground-based air defence systems and radar reconnaissance have been placed on standby, while "preventative" measures are in place to protect Polish airspace. The situation is being monitored, according to reports from the Mirror.
Polish military statement
A statement from the Polish armed forces said: "Attention. In connection with strikes by the Russian Federation on targets in the western part of Ukraine, conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles, military aviation is operating in Polish airspace.
"In accordance with applicable procedures, the Operational Command of the Armed Forces RSZ, through the Air Operations Center – Air Component Command, has activated the necessary forces and resources at its disposal. Ground-based air defense systems and radar reconnaissance have reached a state of readiness."
The statement added: "These actions are preventive in nature and are aimed at securing and protecting Polish airspace, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened regions. The Operational Command of the Armed Forces RSZ is monitoring the current situation, and subordinate forces and resources remain ready to respond."
Airports closed
Poland's air navigation services agency confirmed that operations at airports in Lublin and Rzeszow have been suspended. It said: "In connection with the need to ensure freedom of operations for military aviation, the airports in Lublin and Rzeszów have suspended flight operations."
The incident is the latest affecting a NATO member state in eastern Europe in recent months. Nations including Romania, Bulgaria and the Baltic states have consistently reported drones entering their airspace.
Only last week, a suspected Russian drone strike targeted two vessels off Bulgaria's coast.
Impact on Ukraine and Russia
Russian strikes across Ukraine killed at least 10 civilians and left 73 more injured in the 24 hours up to October 18, according to regional authorities. Three regions in western Ukraine came under attack on the morning of October 18, as Moscow's campaign against critical infrastructure continued.
Ukraine also launched an overnight drone offensive against Russia, sending hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles towards Moscow and St Petersburg. A major oil terminal in St Petersburg and a substantial data centre sustained hits, with footage circulating online seemingly showing fires at the locations.
