NATO aircraft were scrambled over Poland and two airports suspended operations on Monday morning after Russia launched a fresh attack on western Ukraine using unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Polish armed forces confirmed that the "necessary forces and resources" have been activated. A statement 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."
Airports closed as a precaution
Poland's air navigation services agency confirmed that the airports in Lublin and Rzeszów have suspended operations as a result of the NATO aircraft being scrambled.
The Polish armed forces added: "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."
Preventive measures in place
The statement continued: "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."
The activation follows a pattern of NATO aircraft being raised over Poland in response to Russian strikes on western Ukraine.
