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Russia-Ukraine war: In a major development that could significantly alter the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow’s neighbor, Poland has deployed fighter jets and activated missile systems on its northern border with Russia, to mount a proper response in wake of a potential Russian attack.
In a statement, Poland’s Defense Ministry said the NATO country has deployed fighter jets in response to a imminent threat from Russia who launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine, in further escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war. Poland claims Russia violated its airspace by launching as missiles launched on Ukraine travelled through Poland, and in response Warsaw has increased its military vigilance and deployed defensive assets on the border.
On Wednesday Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Warsaw, accused Russia of planned “acts of terrorism” in the air against Poland and other countries, Reuters reported.
According to security official, parcels that exploded at logistics depots in Europe were part of a test run for a Russian plot to trigger explosions on cargo flights to the United States, the report said. Russia has denied involvement in the blasts that occurred in depots in Britain, Germany and Poland in July last year.
“The latest information can confirm the validity of fears that Russia was planning acts of terrorism in the air not only against Poland,” Tusk said, while addressing a press conference after the meeting with Zelenskyy.
Responding to Tusk’s accusations, the Kremlin on Thursday termed the charges as completely unsubstantiated. “These are absolutely unsubstantiated allegations against Russia,” Reuters quoted Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as saying. “Poland is well known for making such accusations,” he said.
Moscow has regularly denied any involvement in the courier depot explosions, as well as break-ins, arson and attacks on individuals which Western officials claim were carried out by operatives paid by Russia.
On the warfront Russia has often been accused of violating the airspace of its neighbouring countries like Poland and Romania (both NATO members), when carrying out missile and drone attacks targeting the western regions of Ukraine.
As per Ukrainian officials, Russia uses Tu-95MS bombers to launch Kh-101 missiles on Ukraine, while the Russian army is firing Kalibr missiles, that enter Ukraine via the Black Sea through the Kherson Oblast region. Additionally, Russia has deployed Kinzhal missiles, ballistic weapons and 74 drones at various locations, further raising Poland’s fear of an impending attack, according to a report by the Eurasian Times.
Polish Defense Ministry said the Armed Forces Operational Command has mobilised all resources and put them on alert mode. The ministry said fighter aircraft have been deployed, and surface-to-air anti-missile systems have been activated on the border, while radar systems have also been put on high alert.
“The Operational Command is monitoring the situation and its subordinate forces and resources are fully prepared for immediate response,” it said.
The Russia-Ukraine war, which erupted in February 2022, has witnessed a rapid escalation in the past few months with Russian President Vladimir Putin recently challenging the United States and other Western nations for a ‘missile duel’, and suggesting a direct “test” to assess the effectiveness of Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missile against advanced air and missile defence systems in Ukrainian capital Kyiv.
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