Headline: Poland Issues Emergency Alert as Russian Jet-Powered Drones Strike Near NATO Border

Date: 13 September 2026

Tags: Poland, Russia, Ukraine, NATO

Summary:

• Poland issued emergency alerts early Sunday as Russian jet-powered drones attacked targets in western Ukraine near its border.

• Reports suggested Geran-5 drones may have crossed into Polish airspace, although Poland’s military denied confirming an incursion.

• Poland activated military aviation and warned residents in the Lublin and Podkarpackie regions about the Russian attacks.

• Residents were instructed to seek safe locations and follow emergency-service instructions amid a possible air attack.

• Some residents reported hearing explosions, although reports suggested some sounds could have been fighter-jet sonic booms.

• Geran-5 drones can reportedly exceed 300mph, making them considerably faster than conventional Russian attack drones.

• Russia launched hundreds of drones against Ukraine, including attacks targeting railways, petrol stations and warehouses.

• Poland has previously scrambled NATO aircraft in response to Russian drones and missiles operating close to its territory.

• Russian drones were shot down over Poland in September 2025 after entering the NATO member’s airspace.

• Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of expanding attacks against infrastructure to damage Ukraine’s economy and resistance.

Why this matters: Any confirmed Russian drone incursion into Poland would raise tensions because Poland is a NATO member bordering Ukraine.

What’s next: Polish authorities are expected to continue monitoring Russian attacks near the border and maintain military aircraft readiness.