Poland Scrambles Jets as Russia Launches Extensive Strikes Near Ukrainian Border

Poland Responds to Border Threat

Poland scrambled its aircraft and deployed ground-based air defenses early on Sunday, October 5, 2025, to secure its airspace following a significant barrage of Russian missile and drone strikes on neighboring Ukraine. The attacks were concentrated in western Ukraine, notably the Lviv region, which lies less than 70 kilometers from the Polish border.

The Polish operational command announced that '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.' This preventative measure was aimed at 'securing the airspace and protecting citizens, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened region.' Dutch F-35 stealth fighter jets, participating in NATO's air policing mission in Poland, were also involved in the response.

Scale and Impact of Russian Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched approximately 50 missiles and around 500 attack drones across the country overnight. The strikes targeted critical infrastructure in at least nine regions, including Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, Odesa, and Kirovohrad.

The attacks resulted in at least five fatalities and ten injuries across Ukraine. In the Lviv region, four people were killed, and an industrial park was set ablaze. Andriy Sadovyi, the mayor of Lviv, described 'a very tough night,' with the city's air defense systems heavily engaged in repelling the drone and missile assaults. Parts of Lviv experienced power outages, and public transport services were suspended. Another fatality was reported in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.

Heightened Regional Tensions

This incident comes amidst a period of heightened vigilance across NATO's eastern flank. Poland and other NATO members have been on high alert due to previous airspace violations and drone sightings. In September, Polish air defenses reportedly shot down suspected Russian drones over its territory, marking the first direct military engagement with Moscow since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. Other NATO countries, including Lithuania, have also experienced temporary airport closures due to unidentified aerial objects.

NATO has been stepping up its air patrols in response to suspected Russian airspace incursions. Norwegian and Dutch F-35 fighter jets have been deployed to Poland as part of these air policing missions, ready to intercept objects violating Polish airspace. The Netherlands also plans to deploy Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems to Poland from December to further bolster the eastern flank.

Ongoing Monitoring and Preparedness

The Polish military stated it is continuously monitoring the situation, with its forces remaining 'fully prepared for immediate response.' The repeated Russian strikes near NATO borders underscore the ongoing security challenges in the region and the necessity for robust air defense measures by alliance members.