Poland scrambles fighter jets, temporarily closes airports while Russian drones attack Ukraine

Poland has temporarily suspended airport operations and scrambled fighter jets in response to Russian drone attacks on Ukraine, according to the Kyiv Independent. This precautionary measure was taken as a preventive step to safeguard Polish airspace, particularly in regions bordering Ukraine. The incident occurred on September 16, with military aircraft taking off and ground-based air defense systems being readied at around 7:00 a.m. local time.

The operation was declared over by 8:00 a.m. and resumed normal airport activity within 40 minutes. The attack on Ukraine also prompted air raid alerts in Ukraine's Volyn Oblast, which borders Poland. The Government Security Center issued alerts for residents in the Lublin and Podkarpackie regions for half an hour. This incident highlights the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte describing Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions as demonstrating desperation.

Brief written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.