Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russian strikes on Kyiv and its supporters could intensify in the coming weeks after explosions near the Dorohusk border crossing. He will visit Kyiv to discuss energy security with President Volodymyr Zelensky, with Slovak PM Robert Fico also reported to be travelling to Ukraine. Sirens sounded in Rzeszow and Lublin and F-16s were scrambled, though officials say Polish airspace was not breached. Authorities suspect jet-powered attack drones have been used and accused Russia of escalation.
Tusk Warns Of Escalating Russian Strikes After Drone, Missile Incidents Near Polish Border
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks during a press conference with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker following their meeting. (is associated with: «Poland's Tusk warns of further Russian attacks after border areas hit») Roland Schlager/APA/dpa
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned lawmakers that Russian strikes on Kyiv and countries supporting Ukraine could intensify in the coming weeks, comments that followed explosions and air-raid alerts near the Polish-Ukrainian border.
What Happened
Tusk told parliament that intelligence assessments indicate a growing risk of apparently accidental or misdirected attacks using drones and missiles against states aiding Ukraine, including Poland, the PAP news agency reported. He described the late autumn and winter period as potentially the most critical phase in the conflict to date.
The prime minister announced a visit to Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, with talks expected to focus on Ukraine's energy security amid sustained Russian attacks. Reports from Bratislava also say Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico plans to travel to Kyiv.
Incidents Near Dorohusk
Earlier the same day, residents near the Dorohusk border area reported a large explosion after what officials said was likely an attack on a petrol station a few kilometres from the frontier. Poland's Border Guard said the Dorohusk crossing did not suffer a direct hit, and the Defence Minister confirmed there was no violation of Polish airspace.
Very close to the Polish border, not far from Dorohusk, a petrol station was most likely attacked again, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said after meeting Austria's chancellor in Warsaw.
Several Russian drone strikes have hit Ukrainian territory close to the Dorohusk-Yahodyn border crossing in recent days. Authorities also reported that a passenger train travelling from Kyiv to Warsaw was targeted in the area, prompting Polish officials to accuse Russia of escalating the war.
Response And Monitoring
Air-raid sirens sounded in Rzeszow and Lublin and the national security centre issued a regional alert, urging residents to take shelter. Poland scrambled F-16 fighter jets; an all-clear was given about an hour later.
A spokesman for the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command told broadcaster TVN24 that monitoring systems detected an unmanned aircraft approaching the Polish border from Ukrainian territory. He said the object was likely a jet-powered attack drone that either was shot down over Ukraine or hit its intended target there.
Polish leaders emphasize vigilance and regional cooperation as they prepare for their visits to Kyiv to address energy security and the broader security risks posed by the latest developments.
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