Russia’s Airstrikes on Ukraine Trigger Polish Military Response, Disrupt European Flights

Poland said it scrambled fighter jets early Sunday after Russia launched a new wave of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, with explosions reported near the Lviv region close to the Polish border.

“Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defense and radar systems have been placed on highest alert,” Poland’s operational command announced on X.

The overnight strikes caused widespread air chaos across Europe, forcing flight diversions and temporary airspace restrictions. Lithuania briefly closed Vilnius Airport after reports of unidentified balloons approaching, while flight trackers showed commercial planes rerouting to avoid eastern Polish airspace.

Ukraine was placed under a nationwide air raid alert for several hours as Russia targeted cities with missiles and drones. In Lviv, about 70 kilometers from Poland, Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said air defenses intercepted multiple drones and missiles but reported power outages and halted public transport. Residents were urged to stay indoors.

Elsewhere, in Zaporizhzhia, one person was killed and nine others injured in late-night strikes that damaged apartment blocks, homes, and vehicles, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov. More than 73,000 residents were left without electricity.

The attacks have heightened tensions along NATO’s eastern flank, coming weeks after Poland shot down suspected Russian drones violating its airspace. Drone sightings in Copenhagen and Munich have also raised alarm over growing threats to European aviation security.