Poland scrambled its fighter jets early this morning along the eastern border in response to a series of Russian airstrikes that targeted western Ukraine, including the city of Lviv. The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces (DORSZ) confirmed the deployment in a statement released on the social media platform X.
The Russian assault on Lviv was deadly, leaving seven people dead, including three children, and injuring over 35 others. The strikes have escalated tensions in the region, with Russian long-range aviation posing a continuous threat to Ukraine and its neighbours.
“This has been an exceptionally busy night for Poland’s air defence system, as we have observed increased activity from Russian long-range aircraft conducting strikes on targets in western Ukraine,”
read the DORSZ statement.
Polish authorities also alerted residents in southeastern Poland that they might notice increased noise levels due to the heightened activity of Polish and allied aircraft in the national airspace. This surge in operations is a direct response to the ongoing threat from Russian military actions.
DORSZ highlighted that the last significant spike in Russian long-range aviation activity occurred during the night of September 1st to 2nd, indicating the persistent nature of the threat.
“All necessary procedures to secure Polish airspace have been activated, and the Operational Command is closely monitoring the situation,”
the statement added.
❗️Uwaga, w południowo-wschodnim obszarze kraju może występować podwyższony poziom hałasu związany z rozpoczęciem operowania w naszej przestrzeni powietrznej polskich i sojuszniczych samolotów.
— Dowództwo Operacyjne (@DowOperSZ) September 4, 2024
Jest to kolejna bardzo pracowita noc dla całego systemu obrony powietrznej w Polsce z… pic.twitter.com/PNwHSv07Up
The attack on Lviv was particularly tragic, with a fire erupting in a residential building near the main railway station, further adding to the city’s distress.