Tuesday morning, the Polish Army scrambled fighter jets and put its air defenses on alert to “secure and protect airspace, particularly in areas adjacent to threatened regions” in response to Moscow’s attack on Ukraine using Russian long-range aviation.

Poland’s Operational Command highlighted that these actions were “of a preventive nature” due to the proximity of the attacks to NATO countries.

“Attention. Due to the activity of the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation, which is carrying out strikes on the territory of Ukraine, military aviation has begun operating in Polish airspace,” the Operational Command of the Branches of the Armed Forces posted on X at 4:30 a.m.

“In accordance with applicable procedures, the Operational Command of the Armed Forces has activated the necessary forces and assets at its disposal. Ground-based air defense systems and radar reconnaissance have reached a state of readiness,” they continue, adding that they will continue to monitor the situation and remain ready to respond.

According to the RBK-Ukraine news agency, cited by Do Rzeczy, Russia launched a drone attack on Odessa overnight from Monday to Tuesday (Feb. 17). Infrastructure and a number of civilian buildings were damaged. A fire broke out in an apartment building in one of the city’s districts. Initial reports indicate two people were injured.

The Russian Defense Ministry also said it shot down 151 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to TASS.

Next week, Feb. 24, will mark four years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has turned into the largest armed conflict in Europe since the end of World War II and the fall of Nazi Germany in 1945.