During Monday’s massive Russian airstrike, which targeted multiple regions in Ukraine, including areas close to the Polish border, radar stations detected an object crossing into Polish airspace. The object disappeared after traveling 25 kilometers into Poland.
“The object was confirmed by radio-location by at least three radar stations. I had full control, and I was ready to shoot it down. I was also in contact with the Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz,” General Maciej Klisz, operational commander of the Armed Forces, said.
He added that due to adverse weather conditions, he couldn't order the object to be neutralized. “We were unable to meet the procedures, which require visual confirmation before engaging an object,” he added.
Polish regulations mandate that before a decision is made to shoot down an airborne object, the pilot of a military aircraft must visually identify the target. This rule aims to prevent the accidental downing of civilian aircraft that may have lost radio contact.
General Klisz also committed to continuing the search until the object was found. “We will conduct the search until we reach a conclusion,” he said, assuring that updates will be provided regularly.
Search continues for possible Shahed drone
Over 70 soldiers from the Territorial Defense Forces based in the eastern Polish cities of Chełm and Lublin are participating in the search operation, with more troops expected to join.
The spokesperson for the operational commander of the Armed Forces said: “Currently, the search area is narrowed down to the Tyszowce municipality [eastern Poland], specifically to the northwest of Tyszowce.”
“Searches are also being conducted from the air using helicopters,” he added.
He further mentioned that the flight path, speed, and altitude suggest it was likely a drone.
"This leads us to believe that it was likely an unmanned aerial vehicle, possibly a Shahed-type drone, similar to those used by the Russians in their attacks on Ukraine," the spokesman said.
Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk also commented on the situation: "We are likely dealing with a drone that violated Polish airspace. Territorial Defense Forces and Polish helicopters are on the scene to locate the object if it indeed landed on our territory."
Furthermore, in response to the incident, the police in the Lublin region have launched efforts to gather information from local residents.
The spokesperson for the Lublin police said: “Officers are looking for potential witnesses… asking about any unusual noises or other signs of the object's presence.”
Massive Russian airstrike
The Russian airstrike, which occurred overnight from Sunday to Monday, targeted 15 Ukrainian regions, including those near the Polish border.
“Like most Russian strikes before, this one was equally insidious, targeting critical civilian infrastructure. The energy sector has sustained significant damage,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X.
He added that Russia launched over 100 missiles of various types and approximately 100 Shahed drones during the strike.
