Polish and NATO aviation assets commenced operations over eastern Poland at approximately 2:47 PM UTC on September 13th in response to Russian drone activity in western Ukraine near the Polish border, according to Polish military confirmation. Lublin Airport has also been closed due to these activities. Reports from observers indicated fighter jets were present over the Podkarpackie and Lublin provinces. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that "preventive operation of aviation - Polish and allied began in our space" due to the threat of Russian drones operating over Ukraine near the border with Poland, stating that ten air defense systems have achieved the highest readiness. Information received by observers indicated fighter jets were sighted over the Podkarpackie and Lublin provinces. The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA) had previously reported the closure of Lublin Airport to all aviation operations at approximately 2:32 PM UTC due to "unplanned military activity related to ensuring state security." This development follows earlier reports from the Air Force of Ukraine detailing "enemy tactical aviation" and the threat of drone impacts in Ukrainian regions bordering Poland. Within the current reporting window, the Air Force of Ukraine also reported aerial activity, including a "Bil" (likely a drone or aircraft) in the Volyn region moving westward and another in the north of Poltava region, also moving west. These advisories suggest ongoing aerial operations. Earlier in the day, preceding the current reporting window, Ukrainian forces conducted air operations over the Donetsk region, deploying managed aviation bombs. Additionally, previous reports indicated Ukrainian drone strikes on the Novo-Ufa Oil Refinery in Ufa, Russia, which resulted in visible flames and smoke. This refinery is situated over 1,350 km from the frontline. Separately, Ukrainian Railways launched its first direct train services from Uzhhorod to Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna yesterday, transporting 280 passengers, marking an expansion of European connections. This initiative was co-financed by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank.
