A Russian missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads has struck Poland, as confirmed by officials. The Kh-101 cruise missile detonated upon impact in eastern Poland, a member of NATO, in the early hours of Thursday, according to Poland’s deputy minister of national defense, Cezary Tomczyk. Tomczyk expressed concerns about the potential danger posed by the missile.
Although no injuries were reported, the missile created a significant 10-meter-wide crater near Tarnawa Kolonia village in the Lublin province, 57 miles from the Ukrainian border. This incident coincided with Russia’s missile and drone assaults on Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 civilians and injuring over 50 individuals.
In response to the missile intrusion into Poland, NATO deployed fighter jets. Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned the action as “another reckless act by Russia and a perilous outcome of its conflict with Ukraine.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk clarified that while all signs pointed to the missile being Russian Kh-101, there was no evidence to suggest Poland was the intended target.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed that at least 10 regions in Ukraine were attacked, leading to the destruction of numerous homes and structures. Russia launched over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, according to the president. Ukraine successfully intercepted more than 260 of the approximately 280 attack drones launched.
Over 56,000 individuals sought refuge in underground stations in Kyiv as the city came under ballistic missile fire. One person was killed, and two others were injured during the attacks.
Kyiv’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that enhancing Ukraine’s air defenses would enhance broader European security, citing the missile incident in Poland as evidence.
NATO reported the deployment of fighter jets, an attack helicopter, and two additional aircraft in response to the missile threat. Ground defenses were also activated, and the Polish military noted the missile quickly vanished from radar.
Ukraine retaliated against Russia, with the Kremlin claiming to have shot down 258 drones. In Russia’s Penza region, a depot belonging to the Wildberries online retailer caught fire, injuring four individuals. Other warehouses linked to the company were reportedly targeted as well.