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Poland scrambles fighter jets as Russia pounds Ukraine

02.07.2026 08:30
Poland scrambled fighter jets and put its air defence systems on alert as Russia launched a massive air attack on neighbouring Ukraine overnight into Thursday, 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 5 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 new wave of air strikes on Ukraine overnight, using more than 496 drones and 74 ⁠missiles, according to the Ukrainian air force.

The capital Kyiv was the main target of the attack, it said.

(gs)

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