Poland has shot down Russian suicide drones in a dramatic escalation after the deadly devices “repeatedly violated” its airspace during a savage attack on Ukraine.
The NATO nation was forced to scramble its air defenses in the early hours of Wednesday to blast the menacing craft out of the sky in what is said to be its first direct military engagement against Russian forces since the Ukraine war began.
Terrified residents have been urgently ordered to stay indoors as Polish Armed forces “identified and neutralised the objects” in a tense military operation. The report emerges as a huge oil pipeline exploded in Russia.
The alarming escalation also saw NATO fighters frantically clamber into action in Slovakia and Romania due to the mounting threats from despot Vladimir Putin.
Russia is yet to speak out on the incident.
Historic first clash between Poland and Putin’s forces
Wednesday’s military clash between Poland and Russia was the first of its kind since the brutal invasion of Ukraine in 2022 – a move seen as a dangerous escalation by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The NATO nation’s army command revealed its airspace was violated by “drone-type objects” during Russia’s merciless attack across the border in Ukraine.
“An operation is underway aimed at identifying and neutralising these objects… weapons have been used, and service personnel are carrying out actions to locate the downed objects,” it said in a chilling statement.
Military operation sparks mass airport closures
The armed forces confirmed the military operation was ongoing and urged people to stay at home, naming the regions of Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin as most at risk from Putin’s drone menace.
“The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces is monitoring the situation, and subordinate forces and units remain on full readiness for immediate response,” it added ominously.
At least one US F-35 was among the NATO warplanes thundering through the skies, while a refuelling aircraft was dispatched from the Netherlands.
Putin stages new missile blitz on Ukraine
As the dramatic operation was underway, Russia reportedly staged a massive new missile and drone attack on neighbouring Ukraine in a terrifying display of aggression.
Polish PM Donald Tusk delivered a stark warning: “An operation is being conducted involving multiple violations of Polish airspace. The military used weapons against targets.”
“I am in constant contact with the president and the defense minister. I have received a direct report from the operation commander.”
Airports shut down as crisis deepens
Poland also closed four airports including its main Chopin Airport in Warsaw, according to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, as the security crisis deepened.
There was no official confirmation from Polish authorities that any airports had been closed amid the chaos.
Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, issued a furious condemnation: “Russia has launched many missiles, and drone attacks continue, which pose a threat not only to our people.
“The terrorist country continues the war, although it constantly declares a desire for peace.”
Key military hub targeted in drone assault
The Rzeszow–Jasionka Airport in Poland’s southeast, a crucial hub for passenger and arms transfers to Ukraine, was among the airports that had been temporarily closed, the FAA revealed.
Russia’s defense ministry has yet to officially confirm the explosive incident that has rocked NATO.
NATO jets roar into action across Eastern Europe
NATO fighter jets were scrambled early Wednesday after Ukraine’s air force warned of the terrifying Russian intrusion into Polish territory.
Commercial planes appeared to be diverted amid fears of a deadly threat, while unconfirmed videos of military jets overhead in Poland appeared on social media.
Poland’s operational command had issued an earlier warning Tuesday night: “Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest state of readiness.”
Military confirms drone shootdown
They later confirmed that “drone-type objects” violated Polish airspace and “an operation is underway aimed at identifying and neutralizing the objects.”
The authorities also warned citizens to “stay at home” while their military operation was ongoing in scenes reminiscent of wartime.
The military added that its measures were preventative and aimed at protecting citizens in regions bordering war-torn Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces issue drone warning
Earlier, the Ukrainian Air Force said on the Telegram messaging app that drones were heading west and threatening the city of Zamosc in Poland.
It was not immediately clear how many drones were in NATO member Poland’s airspace during the unprecedented breach.