Panic gripped NATO ally Poland overnight according to local reports after claims emerged that jet-powered Russian drones crossed the border from Ukraine. The Polish military initially denied airspace violations during the early hours of Sunday morning, even as the government issued emergency alerts across regions bordering the conflict zone.
Emergency Alerts Issued in Polish Border Regions
The Polish Government issued an emergency alert just before 2am BST. Officials urged locals in Lublin and Podkarpackie, the two regions that border Ukraine, to follow strict orders. According to official government notifications, the alert warned of a Russian air attack on Ukrainian territory while noting that Polish aviation was actively operating in the airspace of the Republic of Poland. One specific announcement for Lublin warned of a direct threat of an air attack before officials later stood down the alert. On social media, residents reported hearing sirens and being told to seek shelter, while multiple people reported hearing early morning explosions that some claimed might have been sonic booms from scrambling jet fighters.
Military Response to Fast-Moving Drones
The Polish armed forces confirmed that military operations had started in the country. According to a statement shared on social media by the Polish military, aviation operations commenced due to the activity of Russian jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles conducting strikes on Ukrainian territory. These rapid drones can fly at more than 300mph. That speed makes them significantly faster than traditional models and far quicker than the top speed of Ukrainian interceptors. The overnight incidents followed a heavy wave of attacks on Saturday, when Russian forces launched more than 800 Geran-2 traditional drones and Geran-4 jet drones primarily targeting civilian infrastructure like petrol stations, railways, and warehouses in western Ukraine, just a few dozen miles from the Polish border.
Did You Know?
In July, the US was thought to have warned that Russia was planning an armed provocation on Polish soil to test NATO’s resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Russian drones cross into Polish airspace?
While local residents reported explosions and sirens, the Polish military initially denied that drones crossed the border, though armed forces confirmed that military aviation operations commenced due to Russian drone activity near the border.
Which regions of Poland received emergency alerts?
The Polish Government issued emergency alerts for the Lublin and Podkarpackie regions, which border Ukraine, urging residents to follow instructions from local services.
How fast are the Russian jet-powered drones?
The Geran-5 missile drones and Geran-4 jet drones can fly at speeds exceeding 300mph, making them considerably faster than traditional propeller-driven models.
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