Russian Missile Enters Polish Airspace During Massive Missile Attack on Ukraine

A Russian missile bound for Ukraine transited through Polish airspace early Sunday, prompting NATO F-16 fighter jets to scramble and leading the Polish government to demand explanations.

According to Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command, a cruise missile entered Polish airspace around 4:40 a.m. near the village of Oserdów, along the Ukrainian border. The missile remained in Polish airspace for approximately 39 seconds before crossing into Ukraine.

Poland's Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that if there had been any indication of the missile targeting Poland, it would have been intercepted. The incident marks the third missile attack on Ukraine in four days as Russia escalates its strikes in the region.

Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that all necessary procedures were followed, and the missile was monitored until it exited Polish airspace.

The Polish Foreign Ministry announced that it would seek explanations from Russia regarding the violation of its airspace and called for an end to terrorist air attacks on Ukraine.

Russian missiles have breached Polish airspace on multiple occasions since the conflict began in early 2022. In a previous incident, two Polish individuals lost their lives due to an off-target Ukrainian air defense missile, leading to criticism of Russia's actions and Ukraine's response in self-defense.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has reached a stalemate in many areas, prompting Ukrainian leaders to seek additional support, both financially and militarily, from Western allies, including Congress.