Poland scrambles aircraft and closes airports amid Russian attack on Ukraine
Poland has scrambled its aircraft and temporarily closed the airports in Rzeszów and Lublin due to a large-scale Russian missile strike on Ukraine.
Source: European Pravda
Details: The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces warned of fighter jets operating in Polish airspace on Saturday morning "in response to the actions of Russian long-range aircraft striking Ukrainian territory".
Quote: "Fighter jets have begun operations, while ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been placed on the highest level of combat readiness. These measures are preventive and aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of our airspace, particularly in areas adjacent to threatened regions."
Details: The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency also announced the temporary closure of the airports in Rzeszów and Lublin.
"Operations at Rzeszów and Lublin airports have been temporarily suspended to ensure freedom of operation for military aircraft," the agency said.
Background:
- On the night of 26-27 December, Russia conducted another large-scale strike on Ukraine. They attacked the city of Kyiv, including with ballistic missiles, leaving five people injured.
- Poland last scrambled its aircraft in response to a combined Russian attack on Ukraine on the night of 22-23 December.
- On 25 December, Polish authorities reported a "tense night" for the military due to a Russian aircraft near Polish territory over the Baltic Sea and the incursion of weather balloons carrying contraband from Belarus.
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