In response to recent airspace violations by Russian drones over Poland, the UK government has announced the deployment of Royal Air Force Typhoons to join a NATO mission. These jets from RAF Coningsby, supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft, will bolster NATO’s eastern flank, reinforcing air defenses alongside forces from Denmark, France, and Germany. The Eastern Sentry operation, a move to deter Russian aggression, was initiated after incidents that brought Poland “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two.” The Foreign Office has also summoned the Russian ambassador over the unacceptable violations.
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On September 14, Ukrainian forces launched an attack on the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad Oblast, a major facility with a significant processing capacity. Russian authorities claimed to have intercepted drones, with debris from one causing a fire at the refinery site. The fire was reportedly extinguished with no casualties, though video footage suggests a large explosion. This attack follows a pattern of intensified Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s oil industry, including a recent attack on a major oil-loading port, aiming to disrupt operations and exacerbate fuel shortages.
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SIM cards in downed drones expose Russia’s months-long plan to target Poland and Lithuania.
The discovery of Polish and Lithuanian SIM cards in downed Russian drones is incredibly revealing. It’s like uncovering a carefully laid roadmap, suggesting that Moscow wasn’t just stumbling around; they had a plan, and it had been in motion since at least June. The fact that these drones were equipped with SIM cards from the very countries they allegedly targeted provides tangible evidence of a long-term strategy. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; it was a calculated operation.
This orchestrated approach is further evidenced by the intrusion of these drones into Polish airspace on September 10th.… Continue reading
Polish Chief of the General Staff, General Wiesław Kukuła, confirmed that Poland received a warning from Belarus regarding drones. Belarus alerted Poland about drones flying towards Polish airspace, a statement which General Kukuła acknowledged as “useful”. This cooperation was deemed surprising, considering the ongoing tensions and escalating situation along the land border between the two countries. The confirmation comes after the discovery of debris from 15 drones in Poland as of September 10th.
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The Russian embassy in Poland denied accusations that its drones violated Polish airspace, claiming a lack of evidence. Poland, a NATO ally, reported Russian drones crossed into its territory amid attacks on Ukraine, triggering a NATO Article 4 response. This incident heightened tensions between NATO and Russia, potentially complicating President Trump’s peace efforts. The EU and other European leaders believe the incursion was deliberate.
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NATO is not treating the incursion of Russian drones into Polish territory on the night of September 9-10 as an attack on a member state, according to a NATO source. Initial data suggests the incident was a deliberate incursion. Despite the violation, NATO does not consider it an attack. This occurred despite the incident being called a serious violation of EU airspace and a dangerous precedent for Europe by EU and Ukrainian officials.
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The Polish Air Force intercepted Russian drones within its airspace, with Dutch F-35 fighter jets assisting in the operation. These drones, believed to be targeting Ukraine, prompted a response from the Polish military, which labeled the intrusion an act of aggression. Local authorities are currently searching for debris, while the government has called an emergency meeting and updated NATO. Dutch officials condemned the incident, emphasizing NATO’s readiness and the need for stricter sanctions against Russia.
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Germany is set to provide Ukraine with several thousand long-range drones for deep strikes, a program valued at $351 million, according to a statement by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. This initiative follows Germany’s delivery of Patriot missile systems, with the first launchers already in Ukraine. Furthermore, Ukraine is exploring possibilities to ease its arms export restrictions, specifically in the drone sector, to facilitate collaborative production with European allies.
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Poland responded to repeated airspace violations during a Russian attack on Ukraine by scrambling its air defenses, including NATO assets, and engaging Russian assets within its airspace. The military launched an operation to neutralize the objects, utilizing weaponry and urging citizens in the Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin regions to stay indoors. This action follows a reported incursion of Russian drones and comes amid heightened tensions, with Poland having already closed its border with Belarus as a precaution. The incident has prompted concern from US officials and occurred shortly before scheduled military drills involving Russia and Belarus.
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On Friday, September 5th, Ukrainian Unmanned Systems reportedly struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region, with preliminary information indicating no casualties or damage to residential buildings. Regional governor Pavel Malkov confirmed that drone debris fell on the industrial site, while also stating that eight UAVs were shot down by air defense and electronic warfare systems. Explosions were also reported in the Lipetsk region, although Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed to have destroyed 92 Ukrainian drones overnight. Attacks on such targets are intended to hinder Russia’s fuel supply for military operations, and this incident follows reports of Russian attacks on civilians.
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