Poland demands explanation from Moscow over Russian cruise missile entering its territory

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) – Poland on Sunday demanded an explanation from Moscow after saying a Russian cruise missile aimed at Ukraine entered its territory and violated its airspace, the Polish national news agency said.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski said in a statement on Sunday that they "ask the Russian Federation to end its terrorist airstrikes against the population and territory of Ukraine, to end the war and to focus on the country’s own internal problems,” according to the Polish Press Agency.

“On March 24 at 4:23 a.m. (0323GMT), there was a violation of Polish airspace by one of the cruise missiles launched tonight by the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation,” the Operational Command of the Polish armed forces said on X.

"The object entered Polish space near the town of Oserdow (Lublin Voivodeship) and stayed there for 39 seconds. During the entire flight, it was observed by military radar systems,” it added.

The Polish armed forces also said on X that Polish and allied aircraft had been activated to ensure the security of the airspace.

The last time Russia violated Poland’s airspace was on Dec. 29, 2023.

Russia has yet to comment on the issue.