Poland scrambled fighter jets and placed ground-based air defenses and radar systems on maximum readiness after Russia launched long-range strikes on facilities in Ukraine overnight.
The Operational Command of the Armed Forces released a statement on Wednesday morning, describing the deployment as preventive and focused on protecting Polish airspace and citizens. NATO and allied aircraft operated over Poland while the Operation Command monitored the situation, the Polish military added.
Newsweek emailed the Russian Ministry of Defense for comment.
Why It Matters
Poland borders multiple Ukrainian regions that have experienced repeated Russian missile and drone attacks since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, and NATO allies have previously mobilized air policing and intercepts in response to major Russian aerial campaigns.
The Polish measures represent a preventive step to reduce the risk of any accidental or deliberate breach of NATO airspace and to reassure civilians living near the conflict zone.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said in a statement that “on the night of September 2 to 3, 2025, the Russian Federation is once again carrying out strikes on facilities located on the territory of Ukraine” and that “Polish and allied aircraft [were] operating intensively, while ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have reached a state of maximum readiness.”
A later statement thanked the Netherlands Air Force “whose F-35 fighters helped ensure safety in the Polish sky tonight.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the overnight strike as “massive” on social media as Ukrainian authorities cataloged attacks across multiple regions.
The strike consisted of 500 attack drones and 24 missiles, the Ukrainian leader said.
“The main targets were civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, a transportation hub, even a garage cooperative, and, as has already become routine for the Russians, residential areas,” he added, and demanded “a response from the world.”
Since the August 15 summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Russian strikes on Ukraine have intensified. On August 28, at least 24 civilians, including four children, were killed in Kyiv during Russia’s deadliest attack on the capital since the much-hyped meeting, which also damaged EU and British Council offices.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues its attacks on Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Telegram on Wednesday it had shot down 170 drones overnight, as well as “two U.S.-made HIMARS projectiles.”
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What People Are Saying
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X on Tuesday: “The brazenness of the Russians keeps growing – they are attacking Ukraine more and more often in broad daylight with dozens of strike drones.”
“Of course, we will respond, including asymmetrically as well – so that Russia truly feels the consequences of its audacity. And we continue working with our partners to put pressure on Russia – and that will happen,” he added.
The Russian Ministry of Defense in a Telegram post on Wednesday said: “Last night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a group strike with long-range high-precision air- and sea-based weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles against enterprises of Ukraine’s military-industrial industry and fuel infrastructure used in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Targets of the strike were hit. All the objects were neutralised.”
What Happens Next
Polish authorities said in a statement that they would continuously monitor the situation in Ukraine and remain “in constant readiness to ensure the security of Polish airspace.”
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