A Russian drone, believed to be a Shahed variant, crashed in a cornfield in Poland’s Lublin province, shattering windows in homes and causing significant damage but no injuries to residents. The incident, which occurred in the village of Osiny, about 62 miles from the Polish-Ukrainian border, has been condemned as a provocation by Polish officials. Deputy Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, who also serves as defense minister, stated the event was similar to previous Russian drone incursions into Lithuania and Romania. He suggested the drone might be part of Russia’s broader efforts to influence the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Polish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pawel Wronski indicated that some experts speculate the drone involved was a Russian version of the Shahed drone developed by Iran. Gen. Darius, Malinowski, a Polish military official, noted the drone had a Chinese engine, potentially indicating it was a decoy designed to self-destruct. The blast shattered windows in several homes, but no one was injured, according to the Polish PAP news agency.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced that his ministry would issue a formal protest against the airspace violation, without naming the perpetrator.