Kremlin Dismisses Claims Russia Plotting Armed Provocation in Poland

The Kremlin dismissed Western-media reports claiming Russia might be preparing armed provocation or strikes against NATO member Poland. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said “a lot of horror stories” were being published, according to TASS on July 5. Polish leaders said Warsaw is preparing for multiple scenarios based on allied intelligence while avoiding attempts to spark panic. On July 3, Prime Minister Donald Tusk told TVP World that the coming months could be critical, particularly for the Baltic states, and reiterated that Poland is preparing intensively for various situations without underestimating them. Poland’s Operational Command of the Armed Forces issued an advisory at about 1:30 a.m. local time on July 6, saying it began military aviation operations over Polish territory due to Russian long-range aircraft in Ukrainian airspace. Fighter jets were deployed, and ground-based air defenses and radar reconnaissance were placed on readiness. About two hours later, the command said no airspace violations occurred and operations returned to standard status, noting assistance from the French Air Force.