Poland mobilizes air force after Russian attacks near border

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Poland scrambled its air force early Sunday after Russia carried out large-scale airstrikes on western Ukraine, including areas near the Polish border, according to the country's operational command.

"Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest state of readiness," the operational command said on the US social media platform X.

Ukrainian officials said missiles and drones targeted the Lviv region, located close to Poland, as Russia launched a new wave of attacks overnight.

Eastern-flank NATO members, including Poland, remain on high alert amid an increase in suspected airspace violations. In September, Poland said it shot down Russian drones that entered its territory, while recent drone sightings in Copenhagen and Munich have caused temporary disruptions to European aviation. Russia has denied involvement.

In a related development, Lithuania’s main airport in Vilnius was closed for several hours overnight after reports of a possible series of balloons approaching the area late Saturday.