Poland mulls proposal to intercept Russian missiles over Ukraine

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has stated that Warsaw is evaluating a proposal from Kyiv to intercept Russian missiles heading towards Polish territory while they are still in Ukrainian airspace.

The proposal, part of a joint defence agreement signed during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent visit to Warsaw, aims to address concerns over Russian missiles crossing into Polish airspace during attacks on Ukrainian targets near Lviv, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Sikorski, speaking at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, emphasized that Poland views itself as a frontline state and encounters the threat of Russian missiles breaching its airspace. He highlighted the logistical challenge of reacting swiftly enough to intercept missiles once they enter Polish airspace, noting the potential danger posed by debris to Polish citizens and property.

The proposal suggests intercepting missiles over Ukrainian airspace near the Polish border, which Ukrainian officials reportedly support to prevent risks to Polish territory. Earlier, Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said that any decision to intercept would require consultation and agreement among NATO allies, particularly the United States, due to scepticism within NATO about the proposal's viability.

Poland has significantly bolstered Ukraine’s defence capabilities since Russia's invasion in February 2022, providing extensive military aid including tanks, fighter jets, helicopters, artillery, and missile systems valued at over $4.4 billion.