Russian Missile Enters Polish Airspace; Warsaw Vows Continued Support for Ukraine

A Russian missile violated Polish airspace for approximately three minutes on Friday morning, entering over the Lublin region during a massive Russian aerial assault on Ukraine. The incident occurred as Polish military forces were on high alert, with orders to engage the missile if it had threatened inhabited areas. Fortunately, the projectile fell in an unpopulated territory, resulting in no casualties or damage.

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I am aware of the various burdens falling on Poland, but whether someone likes it or not, we will do everything to help Ukraine.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the situation, acknowledging that while such decisions might not be universally popular, Poland is committed to aiding Ukraine. "Whether someone likes it or not, we will do everything to help Ukraine," Tusk stated. He emphasized that there is no reason to believe Poland was the specific target of the attacks, but confirmed that two objects had breached Polish airspace.

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There are no reasons to believe that the targets of the attacks were Poland, but two objects violated our airspace.

Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz assured that all relevant services, including the Ministry of National Defence and military police, were coordinated and fully prepared. Both ground-based air defense systems and aircraft were on standby throughout the incident. Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that Polish military personnel had monitored over 20 cruise missiles near Poland's border with Ukraine prior to the airspace violation.

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Soldiers had orders to shoot down, if the missile was heading towards populated areas, fortunately it fell in an undeveloped area.

Minister of Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwiński explained that sirens were activated as the quickest method to alert residents to the danger. He stressed the importance of immediate action when sirens sound, advising citizens to follow safety procedures outlined in the security guide. Prime Minister Tusk also mentioned ongoing communication with European leaders and American interest in participating in the investigative process following the incursion.

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There is no competition here, everyone knows what their task is.