Polish defense minister reacts to interception of Russian aircraft
Photo: Polish Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (Getty Images)
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted the work of military personnel after Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea, according to the minister's post on X.
The minister thanked nearly 20,000 soldiers who continue to serve on the borders and in the airspace during the holidays, emphasizing their professional efficiency and discipline.
Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote: "Another rough night for the operational services of the Polish Army. All provocations, both over the Baltic Sea and along the border with Belarus, were fully under control. I'm grateful to almost 20,000 of our soldiers who ensure our security during the holidays – and, as we can see, they are doing it extremely effectively."
This statement came in response to the incident with a Russian military aircraft, which was intercepted on Thursday morning over international waters of the Baltic Sea.
According to Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command, Polish fighter jets intercepted the Russian reconnaissance plane, visually identified it, and escorted it out of international airspace. No threat to Polish territory occurred.
Incidents with Russian aircraft
In recent months, Russia has regularly provoked incidents in NATO airspace, ranging from brief incursions into Lithuania to longer entries into Estonian airspace, as well as Polish interceptions over international waters.
For example, in October, Poland scrambled MiG-29 fighter jets to intercept a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft.
In September, NATO also scrambled fighters due to a Russian reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that NATO countries plan to shoot down only those Russian aircraft that attack their territory.
