Poland Reinforces Border with Ukraine Amid Growing Security Concerns Across Europe

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that the country is strengthening security on its border with Ukraine, after Russian drone strikes near border crossings raised concerns among NATO allies.

“Recent days show that Russia’s actions threaten the security of all of Europe. In line with our government’s decision, the infrastructure used by the Border Guard is being reinforced,” Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote on X after two weekend strikes, one of which hit a train while a group of former Western officials were travelling in the area.

Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed on Tuesday two strikes near the Polish border, claiming the train was carrying military cargo.

Earlier on Tuesday, military officials in Lithuania, another NATO member, said a drone had been shot down in the country’s airspace for the first time.

The drone was fitted with an explosive device, which was neutralised by bomb disposal experts, according to the Lithuanian Defence Ministry.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said an Italian NATO fighter jet shot down the drone, adding that it “most likely came from Russia”. The Italian Defence Ministry said in a statement that this was the second incident involving the country’s fighter jets within a month.

Also on Tuesday, the Danish Armed Forces said a Danish military helicopter was targeted by a Russian warship, which fired two emergency flares as the helicopter was taking routine photographs of the ship in international waters on Monday.

After the incident, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed support for Denmark “after Russia’s provocative and unacceptable action”.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday that the strikes near NATO territory reflect Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “desperation” and his desire “to sow fear and terror”.

Rutte has pledged to strengthen the alliance’s defences along its border with Russia and its close ally Belarus.

Meanwhile, the United States appears to be working to stop Ukraine and Russia from hitting each other’s energy targets, amid concerns over the global rise in fuel prices.

Ukraine has for months been hitting Russian fuel infrastructure, significantly reducing Moscow’s refining capacity and causing major supply shortages. In response, Russia has banned the sale of its oil outside the country.