Poland Temporarily Closes Southeastern Airspace Amid Russian Strikes on Ukraine

Planes at Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport in Rzeszów, Poland, on March 30, 2023. Getty Images/Artur Widak/NurPhoto

Poland temporarily closed its airspace over the southeast of the country following Russia’s missile strikes against Ukraine. Polish and allied aircraft are patrolling the skies. Reuters, citing Flightradar24 data, reported that the restrictions lasted at least until 04:00 GMT on Sunday.

The military authorities clarified that the decision was made due to activity of Russia’s long-range aviation, which had been striking Ukrainian territory.

In connection with the actions of Russia’s long-range aviation, Polish and allied aircraft began operating in our airspace. These are preventive measures to ensure the safety of the airspace and protect citizens

During the night, fighters were scrambled over Poland and air defense forces were intensified due to the activity of Russia’s long-range aviation, which had carried out strikes on Ukraine.

What is known about Russia’s attack on Ukraine on September 28

In the night of September 28, Russia launched massive drone and missile strikes on several Ukrainian cities.

In Kyiv, four people were killed after the attack, including a 12-year-old girl; another ten people were injured. Also in the capital, the Institute of Cardiology was damaged, where rescuers found the bodies of two victims. The Kyiv region was also at risk – 27 people were injured there.

Zaporizhzhia was also hit: at least 34 people were injured, including three children.