Poland Scrambles Helicopter, Boosts Air Defenses After Russian Strikes on Western Ukraine

Poland scrambled a military helicopter and heightened air defense readiness after a massive Russian missile attack struck western Ukraine, the Polish operational command said, calling measures preventive.

The armed forces raised air defense alert levels and deployed a helicopter to monitor the situation and secure Polish airspace, as Russian forces struck Ukrainian targets near the border.

Authorities sent alerts to residents of the Podkarpackie and Lublin voivodeships bordering Ukraine, warning of the Russian air attack across the frontier. Messages urged vigilance but noted no direct threat to Poland.

The Polish operational command stressed actions were precautionary, aimed at ensuring airspace safety. Poland, a NATO member, has repeatedly responded to spillover risks, including prior Russian missile intrusions.

The latest Russian barrage on western Ukraine underscores escalation risks along NATO's eastern flank, with Polish officials coordinating with allies on air policing and defense readiness.