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Poland scrambles fighter jets as Russia strikes Ukraine

02.06.2026 08:45
Poland scrambled fighter jets and put its air defence systems on alert as Russia launched a massive air attack on neighbouring Ukraine overnight into Tuesday, officials said.
Image:
Image:Operational Command of Poland's Armed Forces

The Operational Command of Poland's Armed Forces said it had deployed "all necessary forces and resources at its disposal" to ensure the safety of Polish airspace and was "monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis."

Military aircraft were activated during the night, the Operational Command said in a statement, adding that measures were taken to ensure security in areas near the Ukrainian border.

"Ground-based air defence systems and radar reconnaissance have been placed on alert," the army said ​on X.

At about 4 a.m., the Operational Command said the threat of Russian strikes on regions bordering Poland had decreased and that military aircraft were returning to base.

"Activated ​ground-based air defence ‌and ‌radar reconnaissance systems have ⁠returned to standard operational activities," it said.

It reported no violations of Polish airspace during the attacks.

"We thank NATO Air Command and the French Air Force, whose aircraft helped ensure security in Polish skies today,the Operational Command said.

It also thanked the Dutch armed forces "for their support with the air defence systems."

Russia launched a fresh wave of air strikes on Ukraine early on Tuesday, using more than 656 drones and 73 ⁠missiles, according to the Ukrainian air force.

Authorities said Russian drones and missiles had pounded the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other cities, killing at least 11 people and leaving more than 100 injured.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, polskieradio24.pl, Ukrinform, Reuters