Russian missile entered Polish airspace during Ukraine attack, officials confirm

A Russian Kh-101 cruise missile penetrated Polish airspace on Thursday morning, crashing near the village of Tarnawa-Kolonia in the Lublin Voivodeship, about 100 kilometers from the Polish border. The incursion occurred during a massive Russian aerial assault on Ukraine overnight Wednesday to Thursday.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that one missile entered Polish territory, while a second approached the border before turning back. Later, Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated the missile was heavily armed and "with high probability Russian." The missile detonated upon impact with the ground.

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We can confirm with full responsibility that it was a Russian Kh-101 missile... a cruise missile capable of carrying even nuclear warheads, which exploded upon impact with the ground. A potentially very dangerous missile.

Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk told TVN24 that the missile was a Russian Kh-101, a cruise missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads, describing it as potentially very dangerous. He noted that Russia typically launches 10 to 20 such missiles in attacks, and approximately 20 were heading towards Poland during the night's barrage of about 70 missiles.

Tomczyk expressed gratitude to Polish soldiers, airmen, and allies who supported the operation. Regarding whether the missile was intentionally directed at Poland, Tomczyk stated that any possibility exists and that intelligence agencies would likely provide more answers in the coming weeks. He warned that such provocations might recur, emphasizing the need for societal resilience. Polish and allied forces, including reconnaissance aircraft and air tankers from Germany, provided support during the operation. Ukrainian fighter jets also attempted to intercept missiles heading towards Poland.

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We have nothing to be deluded about, these kinds of situations or these kinds of provocations will happen.