Polish military radar systems detected multiple balloon-like objects entering Polish airspace overnight from Belarus. The Operational Command of Poland's Armed Forces reported the objects were recorded at night and continuously monitored by military reconnaissance systems. The Command stated the situation was controlled and did not threaten air traffic safety or Polish citizens. It is working with state security services to enable rapid response including interception and detaining suspected individuals. There has been an increase in suspected smuggling balloon incidents from Belarus in recent weeks, with similar incursions recorded on the nights of February 8-9 and February 15-16. Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated these incidents served purposes of smuggling and provocation. The Operational Command previously described the incidents as part of hybrid activities directed at Poland's eastern border. Separately, Poland scrambled fighter jets, closed two civilian airports, and put air defense systems on alert during a Russian air attack on Ukraine the same day.

Polish military radar systems detected multiple balloon-like objects entering Polish airspace overnight from Belarus. The Operational Command of Poland's Armed Forces reported the objects were recorded at night and continuously monitored by military reconnaissance systems. The Command stated the situation was controlled and did not threaten air traffic safety or Polish citizens. It is working with state security services to enable rapid response including interception and detaining suspected individuals. There has been an increase in suspected smuggling balloon incidents from Belarus in recent weeks, with similar incursions recorded on the nights of February 8-9 and February 15-16. Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated these incidents served purposes of smuggling and provocation. The Operational Command previously described the incidents as part of hybrid activities directed at Poland's eastern border. Separately, Poland scrambled fighter jets, closed two civilian airports, and put air defense systems on alert during a Russian air attack on Ukraine the same day.