Ukraine hit by night drones and morning missiles, Shahed drones also strike Poland

Key takeaways:

• Russia launched dozens of drones and missiles overnight;
• Strike drones violated Polish airspace;
• Four airports in Poland were closed, and three voivodeships were under threat;
• Explosions were reported in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Lutsk, and Zhytomyr in Ukraine.

How Russia attacked

The Russian military initially launched several groups of strike drones from different directions. The hostile drones moved from the east and south toward western regions.

Around 1:00 a.m. Kyiv time on September 10, it became known that Shahed drones had crossed the border from Ukraine into Poland. In this way, Russian drones attacked the NATO country of Poland.

By Wednesday morning, the Air Force reported groups of cruise missiles. Some entered Ukrainian airspace from the north, while others came from the south. The missiles were also heading westward.

Shahed drones in Poland

The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces officially confirmed the presence of hostile targets over Poland. In response, the Polish Air Force was scrambled, and ground air defense and radar systems were put on the highest alert.

Due to the threat from Russian drones, the airspace of four airports in Poland was temporarily closed. Initially, the restriction applied to Rzeszów, but later it was extended to include Lublin, Warsaw, and Modlin. According to the Polish military, the regions most at risk were Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin Voivodeships.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the Polish military had used weapons against the hostile targets and that he had received a direct report from the operational commander.

Explosions in Ukraine

During the Shahed drone attack, explosions were reported in Kyiv, Lviv, and Lutsk. As of 07:00 Kyiv time, there was no information about casualties or damage.

Around 6:00 a.m., Ukraine came under a massive cruise missile attack. Monitors reported explosions in Zhytomyr, Lutsk, Kalush, and the Vinnytsia region.

It is currently known that in the Vinnytsia region, civilian industrial facilities were hit. As of 07:00 Kyiv time, there were no reports of casualties, but residents are still advised to remain in shelters.

It is also reported that air defense forces in Kirovohrad region were working against enemy Shaheds. No consequences were recorded in the communities of the region.

Consequences by regions

Zhytomyr region

In the Zhytomyr region, the enemy carried out strikes using kamikaze drones and cruise missiles.

As a result of the attacks, one person was killed and another injured. Several civilian enterprises and private houses were damaged. Work is underway to eliminate the consequences.

Khmelnytskyi region

The Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration reported that, in addition to a destroyed sewing factory, a gas station and vehicles were damaged, and windows were shattered in nearby houses.

The city of Volochysk was under attack. Warehouse facilities of industrial enterprises were hit there. Emergency services are working to eliminate the consequences. Three residents of the city were injured. No fatalities were reported.

Cherkasy region

In the sky over the Cherkasy region, two Russian missiles and about ten drones were neutralized. No casualties were reported. However, there were consequences for infrastructure.

In the Zolotonosha district, a blast wave partially destroyed a cowshed, killing two cows. The fire was extinguished. Windows and roofs in five houses, as well as a car, were damaged.

In the Zvenyhorod district, windows were also blown out in five buildings (residential and farm). Additionally, a power transmission line was damaged.

MFA reaction to Russian drone attack in Poland

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted that the Russian drones that entered Poland during the massive attack on Ukraine prove that Putin's sense of impunity continues to grow.

The minister stressed that since Putin has not been properly punished for his previous crimes, he continues to escalate and expand the war and test the West's resolve.

"The longer he (Putin - ed.) does not face force in return, the more aggressive he becomes. A weak response now will provoke Russia even further — and then Russian missiles and drones will fly deeper into Europe," Sybiha wrote.

He stated that the time has come to decide on using the air defense of neighboring countries to protect Ukrainian skies.

"Ukraine has long proposed this step. It must be taken for the sake of collective security," Sybiha emphasized.

According to him, this is also a call to partners to urgently strengthen Ukraine's air defenses and provide better protection against the growing number of Russian drones and missiles that regularly attack the country.

"Moreover, sanctions must be strengthened without delay. Putin will take peace talks seriously only when he faces serious transatlantic pressure. Russia's war machine must be stopped — and it can only be stopped by strength, not weakness," the minister concluded.

Emergency government briefing in Poland

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is convening an emergency government briefing amid the air attack. President Karol Nawrocki also reacted to the violation of Polish airspace.

He reported that he is in constant contact with the defense minister and military leadership in connection with the violation of the country's airspace.

"Soon I will hold a briefing at the National Security Bureau, which will be attended by the prime minister. The security of our Homeland is the main priority and requires close cooperation," Nawrocki declared.

For detailed coverage of the Russian drone raid on Poland, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.