NATO jets scramble as Russian missile detonates in Poland

The growing series of NATO airspace violations is raising concern that Russia’s war on Ukraine could escalate.NATO fighter planes have been scrambled as a Russian missile entered Polish airspace and crashed.The missile, which entered Polish airspace early on Thursday, was part of a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones launched by Russia against Ukraine overnight, killing at least eight civilians, including children, and injuring more than 50.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Trump says ‘good chance’ of progress in Iran talks. What we knowlist 2 of 3What are Trump’s military options?list 3 of 3Zelenskyy and Trump discuss Patriot deal and reviving Russian peace talksend of listConcern that Russia’s war on Ukraine risks entangling neighbouring NATO states is on the rise. Poland is just one of several alliance members to have confronted repeated stray drones and missiles. Such incidents have become increasingly common in recent months as Russia and Ukraine have launched hundreds of projectiles at one another.NATO members, including Poland, launched F-16 jets in response to the sighting of the missile, as well as an aerial refuelling aircraft and an airborne early warning plane, a spokesperson for the alliance said.NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to defend its territory, the spokesperson added.Polish authorities said the explosion had created a wide crater in the eastern village of Tarnawa-Kolonia. While the incident caused no injuries or damage, it will deepen tensions between NATO and Russia as European countries fear the four-year-old war could spill into their territory.“Poland and NATO activated their air and ground defences,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on social media.“This incident is yet another reckless act by Russia and a dangerous consequence of its war against Ukraine,” he said.