Russian strikes target Ukrainian air bases and put Ukraine's western neighbour on high alert

The Operational Command of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland reported late Friday evening that activity from the Russian Federation involving missile strikes on targets in Ukraine is being observed. It was added that standby aircraft have been activated.

"Attention, in the southeastern area of the country there may be increased noise levels associated with the commencement of operations in our airspace by Polish and allied aircraft," the Operational Command of the Armed Forces announced on the X platform.

It was emphasized that "tonight, intense activity of the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation is being observed, related to strikes using cruise missiles, SHAHED-type unmanned aerial vehicles, and ballistic missiles, targeting objects located, among others, in the western territory of Ukraine."

The communiqué also pointed out that the last such intensified activity of Russian aviation, during which strikes in western Ukraine occurred, was recorded on the night of June 13 to 14.

In the past few days, Russia has focused on strikes with cruise missiles on Ukrainian air bases, which is a response to successful attacks by Ukrainian air forces, the British Ministry of Defence reported on Thursday.

In the daily intelligence update, it was reported that since the beginning of June, the Russian air force, through its tactical aviation, has continued to exert pressure on the front line in Ukraine, while kamikaze drones have been striking deeper infrastructure and military targets.

But between June 12 and 18, Russian long-range aviation redirected its attention to strikes with cruise missiles on Ukrainian air bases, which almost certainly is due to frustration with the successes of Ukrainian air attacks and likely reflects Russian concerns about the future use of F-16 aircraft by Ukraine.