Fear in eastern Poland after Russian drones explode near border
Explosions on Ukrainian soil were heard in nearby Polish villages and prompted sirens, evacuations and stepped-up defences.
Residents in eastern Poland say they have grown alarmed after Russian drones detonated on Ukrainian soil only a few kilometres from the border. The blasts were audible in nearby Polish villages, and air-raid sirens sounded for the first time in the area, authorities and local officials reported.
Local response and temporary closures
One border crossing was temporarily closed and evacuated after the incidents, disrupting traffic and prompting authorities to increase patrols along the frontier. Emergency services have been on heightened alert as they assess any cross-border risks.
Polish authorities have stepped up preparations in the border zone to limit potential fallout from further incidents. Schools close to the frontier are running evacuation drills, additional protective structures have been erected near populated points, and air-defence assets — including Patriot systems — have been deployed to the area.
City officials have cautioned that the country remains at an early stage of building broader civilian resilience, and that more work is needed to strengthen preparedness for aerial threats and other contingencies.
Among the local population there is a mix of fear and uncertainty about how to act if a genuine airborne threat materialises. Officials are urging residents to follow official guidance and emergency procedures until the situation stabilises.
National authorities continue to monitor developments along the eastern frontier closely and say they are coordinating with regional emergency services to keep communities informed and protected.
Photo: press material from the event
