Poland urges citizens to prepare evacuation backpacks after Russian helicopter incursion
A Russian Mi-8 helicopter crossed 1,000 feet into Polish airspace from the Kaliningrad region, prompting NATO fighter jets to scramble and Polish officials to urge citizens to prepare evacuation backpacks. The incursion lasted about 42 seconds and was seen as a deliberate test of NATO defenses. Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski said he keeps emergency supplies, including rice and preserves, and advised residents to follow state safety instructions. The Polish Armed Forces confirmed round-the-clock surveillance and stated Russia is testing air defense readiness. This follows the EU's March recommendation that citizens assemble 72-hour survival kits amid fears of a potential Russian strike on a Western state.