Russian missile briefly enters Polish airspace during massive missile attack on Ukraine

A Russian missile headed for Ukraine passed through Polish airspace early Sunday morning, causing NATO F-16 jets to scramble and prompting the Polish government to demand answers.

Poland’s military operations command said a cruise missile passed through its airspace near the village of Oseldov on the Ukrainian border at around 4:40 a.m. Sunday. Poland’s military said it flew over Ukraine’s airspace for about 39 seconds before entering the country.

Polish Defense Minister Wladysław Kosinak-Kamisz later said the Russian missile would have been shot down if there was any indication it was heading for Polish targets. Associated Press reported.

The missile attack was the third in four days on Ukraine as Russia intensifies its offensive across the country.

“Last night’s rocket attack on Ukraine was one of the most intense since the beginning of the Russian invasion, so all strategic steps were initiated on time and monitored until the object left Polish airspace.” Kosiniak-Kamish said.

“We request an explanation from the Russian Federation regarding the new violation of its airspace,” Poland’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“Above all, we call on the Russian Federation to stop terrorist airstrikes against the population and territory of Ukraine, end the war and address its internal problems,” the ministry said.

Russian missiles have violated Polish airspace multiple times since the war began in early 2022. In 2022, a Ukrainian air defense missile missed its target and landed in Poland, killing two Poles and increasing criticism of Russia for encouraging authoritarian behavior in Ukraine-Defense.

The war has reached a stalemate on most fronts, with Ukraine’s leadership continuing to seek additional financial and military aid from its Western allies, including parliament.