Poland has put its air defence forces on high alert following the identification of an unidentified flying object and Russia’s devastating attack on Ukraine this morning.
Spokesperson for the Operational Command of Poland’s Armed Forces, Jacek Górszewski told the press that Poland had put both its air defence systems and its pilots on high alert.
He said: “In order to ensure the security of our airspace, we have increased the combat readiness of our air defence systems, as well as the readiness of our fighter aircraft.”
Poland’s decision comes just hours after Russia launched its largest aerial assault against Ukraine which saw hundreds of missiles target major cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Odesa.
What’s more, Poland also identified an unidentified flying object leaving Ukraine which contributed to their decision to raise the alert level.
Polsatnews reported that the unidentified object entered Polish airspace at the country’s border with Ukraine. Soon after the object entered the country its signal disappeared.
A spokesperson told the publication that the object was detected in the morning as Vladimir Putin’s Russia rained down missiles on Ukrainian cities. Residents in the town of Sosnowa-Dębowa say they saw the object at around 7am.
A military officer added that a ground search was currently taking place to find the missing object with over 20 officers involved in the search around Zamość.
The officer explained that what has proved strange about the incident is that no one reported an explosion and, so far, no debris has been found.
Poland’s decision put its air defence on high alert after Russia launched a massive aerial assault against Ukrainian cities causing severe damage to buildings and resulting in civilian casualties.
In a statement following the attack, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: “A maternity ward, educational facilities, a shopping mall, multi-story residential buildings and private homes, commercial storage, and a parking lot. Kyiv, Lyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and other cities.
“Today, Russia used nearly every type of weapon in its arsenal: “Kindzhals”, S-300s, cruise missiles, and drones. Strategy bombers launched X-101/X-505 missiles. A total of around 110 missiles were fired against Ukraine, with the majority of them being shot down.
“Unfortunately there have been fatalities and injuries as a result of the strikes. All services are working around the clock and providing the necessary aid. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”
“We will surely respond to terrorist strikes. And we will continue to fight for the security of our entire country, every city, and every citizen. Russian terror must and will lose.”
Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba added: “Around 110 Russian missiles and numerous drones were used to target civilians in Ukraine. A maternity ward, schools, hospitals, residential buildings, and commercial facilities were all targeted.
“Today, millions of Ukrainians awoke to the loud sound of explosions. I wish those sounds of explosions in Ukraine could be heard all around the world.
“In all major capitals, headquarters, and parliaments, which are currently debating further support for Ukraine. In all newsrooms, which are writing about “fatigue” or Russia purportedly being ready for “negotiations.”
“These sounds are what Russia really has to say. Our only collective response can and must be continued, robust, and long-term military and financial assistance to Ukraine. Only greater firepower can silence Russian terror.”
