Smolensk, Russia, is experiencing a large-scale UAV attack with numerous explosions and fires reported within the city and surrounding region. Russian sources indicate over 115 Ukrainian drones have crossed into the Bryansk region, predominantly moving east and north, with many of these drones reportedly targeting Smolensk. Local channels are reporting significant air defense activity in response to the drone overflights. This extensive drone activity follows recent statements from Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk on September 11th, 2025, regarding Poland's deployment of 40,000 troops along its borders with Belarus and Russia in anticipation of the Zapad-2025 military drills. Poland also confirmed allocating forces to protect civilians from potential drone threats and announced a border closure with Belarus overnight from September 11-12. Earlier on September 11th, at least five Russian drones, suspected of targeting a NATO military base in Rzeszów, entered Polish airspace, with two intercepted and three crashing. In related developments, a rocket fell on a residential building in the village of Kopillia, Volyn region, Ukraine, on September 11th, 2025, causing destruction but no injuries. Explosions were also reported in Ukraine's Sumy region, and Russian forces reportedly captured Novomykolaivka in southern Dnepropetrovsk. Estonia has proposed establishing a temporary aircraft control zone in eastern Estonia. Allied nations, including the Netherlands, Czechia, France, and the United Kingdom, are reinforcing Poland's air defense capabilities in response to escalating tensions and Russian drone incursions.
