Poland scrambles jets, activates air defenses as Russia pounds Kyiv with missiles, drones

2026-02-22 - 21:12

Polish Air Force jets were scrambled and the country's air defense systems went on high alert early Sunday after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone assault on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine, the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command announced. "On-duty fighter pairs and an early warning aircraft were scrambled, and ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems reached the highest state of readiness," the command posted on X. Preventive Measures According to the statement, the move was preventive, ensuring the security of Polish airspace—particularly along the border with Ukraine, where Russian strikes have intensified. Polish fighter jets and air defense units were poised to intervene if incoming threats approached or crossed into Poland. At no point was Polish airspace violated, the military stressed. The command expressed gratitude to NATO allies, including the Allied Air Command and the air forces of Germany and the Netherlands. Escalating Conflict Ukrainian officials reported the Russian military launched a coordinated attack Saturday night involving multiple missiles and suicide drones on Kyiv and other regions. The incident marks one of the most significant escalations of cross-border hostilities since the Ukraine war began on Feb. 24, 2022, four years ago this week. Russia's intensified aerial campaign continues to test NATO's eastern flank defenses.