A Russian missile heading for Ukraine traveled through Polish airspace early Sunday, causing NATO F-16 fighter jets to take off quickly and leading the Polish government to ask for explanations.
Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command stated that a cruise missile entered its airspace around 4:40 a.m. on Sunday near the village of Oserdów, close to the Ukrainian border. The Polish military mentioned that it remained in the country's airspace for about 39 seconds before entering Ukraine.
Poland’s Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz later mentioned that the Russian missile would have been destroyed if there were any signs that it was targeting Poland. The Associated Press reported.
The missile strike is the third in four days against Ukraine as Russia intensifies attacks across the country.
Kosiniak-Kamysz stated, “As last night’s rocket attack on Ukraine was one of the most intense since the beginning of the Russian aggression, all the strategic procedures were launched on time and the object was monitored until it left the Polish air space.”
The Polish Foreign Ministry stated that it would “demand explanations from the Russian Federation regarding another violation of the country’s airspace.”
“Most importantly, we urge the Russian Federation to stop the terrorist air attacks on the people and territory of Ukraine, end the war, and address the country’s internal problems,” the ministry said.
Russian missiles have breached Polish airspace multiple times since the start of the war in early 2022. Two Poles were killed in 2022 when a Ukrainian air defense missile missed its target and landed in the country, leading to criticism of Russia for provoking Ukraine to act in self-defense.
The war has largely stalled on most fronts, with Ukrainian leaders seeking further financial and military assistance from Western allies, including Congress.
