Poland scrambles fighter jets due to large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine

Polish and allied aircraft have begun operations in Polish airspace in response to a large-scale Russian attack involving cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, targeting sites in western Ukraine.

Source: a statement from the Operational Command of the Armed Forces of Poland; European Pravda

Details: The Polish military emphasises that "regular pairs of fighter jets have been scrambled, and ground-based air defence and radar systems have been placed on high alert".

"Attention, the operation of Polish and allied aircraft in our airspace has begun due to a large-scale attack by the Russian Federation, which has launched cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles against targets located, in particular, in western Ukraine," the Operational Command said.

The statement also notes that these decisions are aimed at ensuring security in areas bordering the territories under threat.

"The Operational Command is monitoring the current situation, and the subordinate assets and personnel remain in full readiness for immediate response," the statement said.

Background: 

• On the morning of 17 November, a series of explosions occurred in the city of Kyiv during a large-scale Russian missile attack on targets in Ukraine.
• Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko reported that the bombardment had caused a fire in the central part of the city. It was caused by shrapnel from a downed missile. Two people were injured.
• Explosions also rocked Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Cherkasy and other Ukrainian cities.
• The Russians are attacking Ukraine, particularly with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and air-launched cruise missiles, the Ukrainian Air Force said.
• This is not the first time Poland has scrambled aircraft because of Russia's attacks on Ukraine.
• Last month, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Poland and other nations bordering Ukraine are "obliged" to shoot down Russian missiles before they enter their airspace.
• The Polish Foreign Ministry later clarified that Sikorski had expressed his opinion, not the government's stance.

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