Polish PM warns Russia's escalation could reach Polish territory

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk convened a meeting at the Government Centre for Security on Wednesday with the interior and defence ministers and heads of individual services, following Russian attacks near Poland's border overnight on 12-13 September and on the morning of 13 September.

Tusk said the escalation of Russia's actions is becoming a fact, with its effects increasingly approaching Poland's border. He noted that the apparent attempt to disrupt border crossings was not the first such incident.

Heightened readiness

The prime minister said Poland would now operate in a significantly heightened mode, given expectations of very intense Russian activity in the coming weeks and months. He acknowledged that an escalation reaching Polish territory cannot be excluded, while still hoping the worst-case scenario would not occur. He added that recent events confirm information Poland has received for months, indicating that more serious scenarios remain possible.

Tusk stressed that Poland must be ready for a joint response if needed. He said the overnight attacks show Russia is willing to deploy more dangerous technology than before — specifically jet-powered drones, whose range and accuracy are concerning. He noted that even Ukraine, despite being well-prepared against drones, cannot counter them with full effectiveness.

Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk added that 13 strikes were recorded during a Russian drone attack on western Ukraine on 13 September. He said he would seek information on Poland's readiness for possible drone attacks targeting infrastructure such as railways and businesses.

A spokesperson for Poland's Nadbużański Border Guard Unit confirmed a drone had hit a lorry near the Yahodyn-Dorohusk border crossing. Ukraine's State Border Guard Service said the crossing point itself was not struck, while Poland's defence minister said the country's airspace had not been violated. Ukrainian Railways reported that Russia struck the locomotive of a passenger train near the Polish border.