Poland summoned the Russian ambassador and issued a protest note after a Russian Kh-101 missile landed in its territory on Thursday during a large-scale attack on Ukraine. Warsaw confirmed the missile was newly produced by Russia.
The incident underscores the heightened risk of the war in Ukraine spilling over into NATO territory, potentially triggering Article 5 collective defense obligations and escalating the conflict.
Poland summoned the Russian ambassador on Friday and handed him a protest note after a Russian Kh-101 missile landed on Polish territory on Thursday during a large-scale aerial assault on Ukraine. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maciej Wewior stated that Poland unequivocally condemned the hostile actions and demanded an end to actions endangering citizens and posing a risk of aviation disaster. Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the missile was newly produced by Russia, suggesting depleted wartime stockpiles. Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk had previously called the incident a provocation and an alliance test, noting that Ukrainian air defenses intercepted approximately 20 Russian missiles heading toward Poland. A Ukrainian pilot reportedly pursued the missile until shortly before it crossed the border. The incident is the latest in a series of airspace incursions on NATO's eastern flank.