Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.aol.co.uk
Poland has scrambled its military aviation in response to a Russian attack on western Ukraine, raising fresh concerns over the risk of the war spilling into NATO territory. The country’s armed forces confirmed that aircraft were operating in Polish airspace following overnight Russian strikes using drones near its border. In a post on X, the military said it had activated the necessary forces and resources, with ground-based air defence systems and radar reconnaissance placed on alert. The command said the measures were precautionary and aimed at protecting Polish airspace close to the threatened regions. It added that the situation was being monitored and that forces remained ready to respond.
The latest alert comes as Poland and other countries on NATO’s eastern flank grow increasingly concerned about the potential for the conflict to escalate. Romania, Moldova, Poland and the Baltic states have reported repeated drone intrusions into their airspace and waters in recent months, fuelling fears over Russian activity close to alliance territory.
Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least 10 civilians and injured 73 others in the 24 hours leading up to October 18, according to regional authorities. Three western Ukrainian regions were targeted on the morning of October 18, continuing Moscow’s recent campaign against critical infrastructure across multiple parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Ukraine launched a major overnight drone assault on Russia, reportedly sending hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles towards Moscow and St Petersburg. A major oil terminal in St Petersburg was struck, alongside a large data centre, with footage circulating online appearing to show fires breaking out.
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed it had shot down around 1,015 Ukrainian drones across Moscow and several western regions.
The latest exchanges come amid growing concerns about the risk of further escalation between Russia and countries supporting Ukraine, although Poland has not reported a direct attack on its territory in the military statement.
