Poland and Romania on High Alert After Russian Drone Incursions

BUKAREST (Kokcha.News) — Poland has initiated preventive air operations and placed its ground-based air defense systems on high alert after detecting Russian drones near its border with Ukraine, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on X (formerly Twitter).

Tusk stated, “Due to the threat posed by Russian drones operating near Poland’s border with Ukraine, preventive operations by Polish and allied aircraft have been launched in our airspace. Ground-based air defense systems have been placed on the highest alert.”

Later, Tusk confirmed that the state of emergency had ended and thanked those involved in the air and ground operations, while emphasizing that Poland remains on high alert.

Meanwhile, videos shared on social media showed sirens blaring in eastern Poland near the border with Ukraine, indicating heightened security measures.

In Romania, the Ministry of Defense reported that two F-16 fighter jets were deployed to monitor the airspace near the Ukrainian border after Russia continued its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The jets detected a Russian drone, which was tracked for 20 kilometers until it disappeared from radar.

Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu condemned Russia’s “reckless” behavior, stating, “We are ready to remain vigilant with NATO and defend every inch of allied airspace.”

This comes after Poland announced on September 10 that it had shot down several drones that repeatedly violated its airspace during Russian attacks on Ukrainian targets. The Russian Defense Ministry denied targeting Polish facilities, claiming the attacks were focused on military objectives in Ukraine.

Following the incidents, Poland imposed restrictions on air traffic along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine.