In brief
Polish forces reported that a Russian Mi‑8 helicopter from the Kaliningrad exclave briefly entered their airspace above Braniewo, staying for 42 seconds before being tracked by radar. The incident, the Air Defence Command says, was meant to test Poland’s readiness. While Moscow has not commented, Polish authorities cite a pattern of escalating hybrid threats from Russia directed at NATO eastern flank members. The event follows earlier reports of Russian drone and missile activity near Polish borders and ties into broader tensions over Ukraine. European leaders warn against the possibility of further hybrid attacks as they continue to support Ukraine.
Poland announced that a Russian military Mi‑8 helicopter crossed into its airspace from the Kaliningrad exclave on Wednesday morning, staying about 300 metres above the town of Braniewo for 42 seconds before being detected by radar.
Polish air‑defence units, working around the clock, scrambled fighter jets to intercept the aircraft and ground forces remained on alert, saying “the nature of the incident indicates that Russia is once again testing the readiness of our air defence.”
Civilian and military officials said Moscow has yet to comment on the incident. Analysts note it follows a series of Russian drone, missile and hybrid attacks targeting NATO members on the eastern flank in recent weeks.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia was planning strikes on Poland and other NATO countries, while French President Emmanuel Macron said his country had been targeted by similar attacks and would not remain passive.
Similar incidents have been reported in Germany, Lithuania and Ukraine, where Russian drones have struck airports, railways and infrastructure. Experts label these movements as part of Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy, aiming to destabilise European security while avoiding direct military engagement.
Poland’s warning comes at a time of heightened tensions over the Ukraine conflict, with Russia controlling about 20 % of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, and NATO scrambling to enforce air‑space integrity around the region.
