The key facts

  • Poland scrambled military aircraft to protect its airspace during Russian strikes on western Ukraine
  • Trump repealed sanctions and duties under the Graham Act, citing US national interests
  • Warsaw criticizes the US-Russia diesel deal and Starlink restrictions for Ukraine

Poland Scrambled Aircraft Over Russian Strikes

On Saturday, Poland scrambled military aircraft amid new Russian strikes on western Ukraine. According to the Polish armed forces, Polish and allied aircraft were deployed to protect the country's airspace, as the attacks hit areas near the eastern border of the NATO member. The measure was precautionary.

Washington Eases Pressure on Moscow

At the same time, the US and Poland, according to Anadolu's assessment, are increasingly diverging in their policy toward Russia. On Saturday, Trump repealed key Russia-related sanctions and duties that were to take effect under the recently passed Lindsey Graham act on sanctions against Russia and Iran, calling the decision consistent with US national interests. The law was aimed at increasing economic pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine. The repeal followed a US-Russia deal on diesel fuel that drew criticism from Kyiv and some European leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the agreement would give Moscow a financial breather while Russia continues its attacks.

Warsaw Maintains a Hard Line

Poland takes a tougher stance. Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski this week criticized restrictions affecting Ukrainian access to Starlink and questioned whether Elon Musk is 'playing politics' with a system critically important for Ukraine's defense; Poland pays for Ukraine's Starlink subscriptions. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has repeatedly asserted that continued pressure on Russia and support for Ukraine are central elements of Poland's and Europe's security.

Enhanced Air Defense

Poland has moved to an increasingly active air defense posture following a series of incidents related to Russia's war in Ukraine. In September 2025, Polish and allied aircraft were scrambled during Russian strikes on western Ukraine, and later Poland became the first NATO country to shoot down Russian drones after incursions into its airspace.