Poland heightens air defence readiness amid Russian missile strikes on Ukraine PHOTO

Poland has activated heightened air defence protocols in response to a new wave of Russian missile attacks on Ukraine, the country’s military said early on July 21.

The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces confirmed that long-range aviation of the Russian Federation had launched a massive missile attack on Ukrainian territory overnight between July 20 and 21, Caliber.Az reports per the operational command's post on X. 

“In response to this aggressive activity, out of concern for the safety of the Republic of Poland, all procedures aimed at strengthening the protection of Polish airspace have been immediately initiated,” the statement reads.

❗️Uwaga, w nocy z 20 na 21 lipca 2025 r. lotnictwo dalekiego zasięgu Federacji Rosyjskiej po raz kolejny przeprowadza zmasowany ostrzał rakietowy terytorium Ukrainy.

W odpowiedzi na tę agresywną aktywność, w trosce o bezpieczeństwo Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej, natychmiast… pic.twitter.com/nrx8PKWxSd

— Dowództwo Operacyjne RSZ (@DowOperSZ) July 21, 2025

According to the military, both Polish and allied aircraft have been deployed, while ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been placed on the highest alert.

“These measures are preventive in nature and are intended to ensure the safety of citizens and the protection of the country’s borders – particularly in areas adjacent to zones of heightened risk,” the statement added.

The Operational Command said it continues to closely monitor developments and that Polish forces remain fully prepared to respond to any potential threats.

By Sabina Mammadli