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Poland scrambles fighter jets as Russia rains missiles, drones on Ukraine

20.08.2026 09:15
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 6 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 our NATO allies, the NATO Allied Air Command and the Dutch Air Force for their support with the air defence systems,the Operational Command said.

Russia launched a new wave of air strikes on Ukraine overnight, using ​dozens of ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles as well ​as 168 drones, according to the Ukrainian air force.

It ​said that ​air defence ‌units downed 145 drones and ​most of the cruise ‌missiles but ‌none of the ballistic ⁠missiles.

The Kyiv region was the main target ⁠of the attackthe Ukrainian air force said.

(gs)

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