Poland says Russian military helicopter violated airspace near Kaliningrad

Poland has accused a Russian military Mi-8 helicopter of briefly entering its airspace from the Kaliningrad exclave, in an incident that prompted a military response on Wednesday morning. Polish officials said the aircraft crossed into Polish territory north of Braniewo and was tracked by radar. The episode lasted 42 seconds, according to the Polish military, and the helicopter penetrated about 300 metres into Polish airspace.

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The Polish Army Operational Command said the incursion took place at 11:08 local time, or 09:08 GMT. It said fighter jets were scrambled and ground forces remained on alert after the aircraft was detected. The command said Poland's air defence units were operating around the clock to ensure the safety of Polish airspace.

It also said the nature of the incident suggested Russia was again testing the readiness of Polish air defences. Moscow did not comment immediately on the allegation. Poland has repeatedly warned in recent weeks that Russia may be preparing actions intended to test NATO members on the alliance's eastern flank.

Those warnings have come amid wider concern in Europe over airspace violations, drone activity and other incidents linked by officials to Russia's war against Ukraine. Poland has said several Russian drones and one unarmed Russian missile have landed on its territory since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. The incident matters because Poland is a NATO member and shares a sensitive border region with Russia's Kaliningrad exclave.

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Any breach of airspace by a military aircraft can trigger rapid defensive measures and raise the risk of miscalculation. It also comes as European governments continue to assess how to respond to what they describe as a growing hybrid threat against the continent. Russia denies planning attacks on NATO states, but Polish officials say the pattern of incidents is increasing pressure on air defences and readiness.

The broader backdrop is the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said last week that Russia was planning drone and missile strikes against Poland and other countries on NATO's eastern flank, and warned that the aim was to intimidate European states supporting Ukraine.

Russian officials have rejected accusations that they are preparing to attack NATO. What remains unclear is whether the helicopter's entry was deliberate, accidental or the result of a navigational error. Poland has not said whether it will take further diplomatic or military steps, and Moscow has yet to respond publicly.

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