Poland scrambles jets as Russia strikes Ukraine, NATO on alert

Poland scrambled fighter jets Wednesday morning in response to Russian attacks on Ukraine, activating military operations to secure its airspace amid heightened fears of escalation. Ground-based defense and reconnaissance systems were also placed on high alert, with Polish F-16s reported flying over the Świętokrzyskie and Podkarpackie regions. The move follows Ukrainian reports of Russian drones targeting fuel stations and warehouses near Kyiv, while Russia and Ukraine continue exchanging aerial strikes with front lines largely unchanged. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently warned Russia might stage deliberate drone or missile strikes on NATO countries, and officials have cautioned against overreaction to potential provocations. NATO leaders describe Russian President Vladimir Putin as increasingly risk-accepting, while Baltic states say covert attacks are likely to rise this winter. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal called a conventional Russian attack on Europe "improbable" due to NATO's deterrent, urging allies to back Ukraine as the best defense.