Poland's air defense endures 'extremely difficult night' as suspected Russian missile falls in Lublin

Poland's air defense endured an "extremely difficult night" as Russian airstrikes on Ukraine prompted an unidentified object to penetrate Polish airspace, according to Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The object, which disappeared from radar after entering the country, fell in a field near Tarnawa Kolonia in the Lublin Voivodeship. Residents reported explosions and air raid alarms were activated in the region.

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Poland's air defense went through an extremely difficult night.

Government sources cited by Wirtualna Polska suggest authorities believe the object was a Russian missile. While investigations are ongoing, preliminary data supports this theory. Online analysts have speculated it could be an H-101 cruise missile, though this remains unconfirmed. Demining teams are examining the fallen object.

The incident prompted Polish fighter jets to be scrambled. The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces stated that Polish and allied reconnaissance systems detected intense long-range Russian aviation activity. Radars tracked dozens of missiles over western Ukraine, with trajectories that could have threatened Polish airspace.

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At this moment, we are establishing exactly what fell near the town of Tarnawa Kolonia.

In response to the events, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk canceled a planned visit to Lower Silesia. The situation underscores the heightened security concerns in the region due to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine.

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Everything indicates that it was a Russian missile.