OMM Newsroom
Poland scrambled military aircraft on Saturday as Russia launched new strikes on western Ukraine, according to Anadolu Agency.
Polish and allied aircraft were deployed to protect Polish airspace as Russian attacks targeted areas near the NATO member’s eastern border, Poland’s armed forces said.
The precaution came as Washington and Warsaw appeared to be moving in increasingly different directions over Russia. On Saturday, US President Donald Trump waived key Russia-related sanctions and tariffs that were due to take effect under the recently adopted Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. He said the waiver was in the US national interest. The law was intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
The waiver followed a US-Russia diesel deal that has drawn criticism from Kyiv and some European leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the agreement would provide Moscow with financial relief while Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine.
Warsaw has maintained a tougher stance. Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski this week criticized restrictions affecting Ukraine’s “Starlink” service and questioned whether Elon Musk was “playing politics” with a system crucial to Ukraine’s defence. Poland pays for “Starlink” subscriptions used by Ukraine.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has repeatedly argued that continued pressure on Russia and support for Ukraine are central to Polish and European security.
Poland has adopted a more active air-defence posture since a series of incidents linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. In September 2025, Polish and allied aircraft were deployed during Russian strikes on western Ukraine. Poland later became the first NATO member to shoot down Russian drones after incursions into its airspace.
