Poland scrambles jets after Russian helicopter enters airspace near Kaliningrad

Poland scrambled fighter jets and placed ground forces on standby after a Russian Mi-8 helicopter briefly entered its airspace near Kaliningrad on Wednesday, remaining for 42 seconds before departing. Warsaw accused Moscow of testing its air defence readiness. The Polish Operational Command said the helicopter crossed the border at 11:08 am, was tracked by military radar, and left after less than a minute. The incident follows heightened European concerns over Russian military and hybrid activities, including a recent drone discovery and warnings from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. European officials have repeatedly blamed Russia for sabotage, cyberattacks, and drone operations this year, citing incidents like a German airport drone attack and a Danish helicopter flare encounter. While President Vladimir Putin denies plans to attack Nato, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned of a "very short" war if Europe strikes Russia.