On Saturday, September 20, Russia launched a large-scale airstrike against Ukraine, including attacks near the western border with Poland, prompting Poland and allied military aircraft to scramble to ensure the safety of Polish airspace.
The Polish military released a statement on social media platform X, stating, “Due to the Russian Federation’s long-range aviation strikes on Ukrainian territory, Polish and allied aircraft have begun operations in Polish airspace.”
“The on-duty fighter jets have been dispatched urgently, and the ground-based air defense systems and radio location reconnaissance systems are on high alert,” said the Polish military.
According to CNN, the Ukrainian Air Force stated on Saturday that from Friday night to early Saturday morning, Russia launched 579 attacks involving drones of various types and decoy drones against Ukraine. The Russian military also fired 8 ballistic missiles and 32 cruise missiles.
Ukrainian President Zelensky said, “Throughout the night, Ukraine was subjected to a large-scale attack by Russia.” He also mentioned that the attack resulted in three deaths and dozens of injuries.
Russia’s latest security threat to NATO member Poland has escalated tensions between NATO and Russia once again.
Russian warplanes and drones have been frequently violating the airspace of NATO member countries, prompting NATO’s vigilance and condemnation. Estonia reported on Friday, September 19, that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated its airspace, condemning this unacceptable behavior. Estonia urged NATO to swiftly increase political and economic pressure on Russia. Last week, nearly 20 Russian drones invaded Polish airspace, forcing Polish and allied fighter jets to scramble in response.
Both Estonia and Poland are members of the European Union. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, described the Russian military aircraft violating Estonia’s airspace as an “extremely dangerous provocation.”
“This is the third time in a few days that Russian military aircraft have violated EU airspace, further exacerbating tensions in the region,” Kallas stated on social media platform X. “We will continue to use European resources to support our member states in strengthening their defense. Putin is testing the resolve of the West. We must not show weakness.”
Western officials claim that Russia’s actions are aimed at testing NATO’s readiness and determination.