'Threat of air attack' warning for residents in Poland

A ‘threat of an air attack’ warning was issued in Poland following Russian drones operating over the border with Ukraine.

Polish and Nato aircraft were deployed to protect Polish airspace, and the airport in the eastern city of Lublin was shut briefly in response.

Earlier today, residents in the counties of Chełm, Chełmski, Krasnostawski, Lęczyński, Swidnicki and Włodawski received a warning that read: ‘Threat of an air attack. Exercise particular caution.

‘Follow the instructions of the services. Await further announcements.’

Footage circulating on social media showed air raid sirens blasting across the affected areas – for the first time in the country since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Polish prime minister Donald Tusk confirmed the reports on X, saying: ‘Due to the threat posed by Russian drones operating over Ukraine near the border with Poland, preventive operations of aviation – Polish and allied – have begun in our airspace.

‘Ground-based air defense systems have reached the highest state of readiness.’

Tusk later confirmed that the threat level has been cancelled, adding: ‘Thank you to all involved in the operation in the air and on the ground. We remain vigilant.

The Operational Command of the Polish armed forces said the planes took part in an operation near the border with Ukraine ‘to ensure the security of our airspace’, three days after Poland shot down Russian drones.

‘These actions are preventative in nature and aimed at securing airspace and protecting citizens, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened area,’ the Command said in the statement.