Poland deploys fighter jets amid drone threat in Ukraine

GENEVA

The Polish military reportedly said Saturday it had launched fighter jets amid warnings of possible drone activity in western Ukraine.

TVP World reported that air traffic at Lublin airport in eastern Poland was suspended as a precaution while the aircraft were airborne.

The action follows Wednesday’s incident in which 19 Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace in the largest violation since Moscow launched its full-scale war against Ukraine. Several drones were intercepted by NATO defenses, prompting emergency consultations in Warsaw and a strong response from allies.

NATO later unveiled Eastern Sentry, a new initiative to reinforce defenses along its eastern flank.

Polish officials did not disclose how many jets were scrambled or how long the airport closure would last.