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Poland has imposed air traffic restrictions along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine after multiple Russian drones entered its airspace, the Armed Forces’ Operational Command said Thursday.
The Polish Air Navigation Agency said the measures took effect late Wednesday and will remain in force until Dec. 9, TVP World reported.
The move followed Poland’s downing of suspected Russian drones a day earlier with the support of NATO aircraft—the first known time a member of the alliance has fired shots during Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“At the request of the Operational Command of the Branches of the Armed Forces, air traffic restrictions will be introduced in the eastern part of Poland in the form of the restricted zone EP R129,” the agency said.
Flights from sunrise to sunset are prohibited in the restricted zone, except for manned aircraft operating under a flight plan with proper transponders and two-way communication with authorities. Military and special-purpose flights are exempt.
“From sunset to sunrise, there is a total ban on flights, with the exception of military aircraft,” the agency added, noting that civilian drones are banned around the clock in the zone.
Poland’s Foreign Ministry said it requested an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting following the incursion. “Following Poland’s request, a UN Security Council emergency meeting will be convened regarding the violation of Polish airspace by Russia,” it said on X.
China urged calm, calling for the dispute to be settled through talks. “The Chinese side hopes that all parties concerned will properly resolve their disputes through dialogue and consultation,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said its drones carried out large-scale strikes on military targets in western Ukraine but denied any intention to hit Polish territory.
The restrictions underscore heightened security concerns in the NATO member state as the war in Ukraine continues into its third year.
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