Poland says Russian Mi-8 helicopter violated its airspace for 42 seconds

Poland reported that a Russian Mi-8 military helicopter violated its airspace on Wednesday, crossing from Kaliningrad for 42 seconds and prompting NATO member Poland to scramble fighter jets. The incursion occurred north of Braniewo at a depth of about 300 meters. The Polish military characterized the incident as Russia testing its air defense readiness, while Moscow did not immediately comment. This follows recent warnings from Poland and other European NATO members that Russia may be probing their commitment to supporting Ukraine, which Moscow denies. The incident adds to a pattern of Russian drones and an unarmed missile landing in Poland since the 2022 invasion, amid broader European concerns over hybrid attacks, including suspicious fires at defense facilities, which some countries blame on Russia.