Russian Airstrikes Trigger Poland Military Response—Again

For the second night in a row, Poland activated its full air defense system in response to Russian long-range missile attacks on Ukraine, heightening alert levels across the country’s southeast.

The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces confirmed on May 26 that fighter jets had been deployed as Russian bombers launched a new wave of strikes against Ukrainian targets.

In a statement posted on X, the military warned residents of increased noise from NATO and Polish aircraft and emphasized that all standard defense procedures were now in effect.

“This is the second consecutive night of intense activity for Poland’s entire air defense system due to renewed long-range aviation activity by the Russian Federation,” the statement read.

On High Alert, Watching the Border

Polish officials made clear that, while no missiles had entered Polish airspace, the close proximity of Russia’s aerial operations to NATO territory demanded vigilance.

The Operational Command added that its forces remain fully prepared to respond should the threat escalate.

“All assigned units are fully prepared to respond if necessary,” the statement concluded.

The heightened alert follows a particularly devastating series of Russian air assaults on Ukraine over the weekend, which saw hundreds of missiles and drones launched across the country in a sustained campaign.

Ukraine Endures Relentless Attacks

On the night of May 24, Kyiv endured one of the most intense bombardments since the full-scale invasion began, as Russian forces targeted the capital with ballistic missiles and drones during a seven-hour barrage.

At least 15 people were injured.

Just a day later, the scale of the assault expanded.

In the early hours of May 25, Russia launched an unprecedented 367 missiles and drones across multiple Ukrainian regions.

The attacks killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 60, including several children, according to Ukrainian authorities.