Poland intercepted a Russian reconnaissance plane over international waters in the Baltic Sea, considering the overflight a provocation.

The Polish air forces intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft of the Il-20 type on Wednesday, which was flying without a flight plan and with its transponders turned off, over the international waters of the Baltic Sea. The Warsaw Army stated that there was no violation of Polish airspace, but described the action as a provocation and a potential threat.

The Minister of Defense, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, emphasized that flights without active transponders can pose a risk to other aircraft, and Polish pilots will respond promptly in such situations. This interception was a reaction to recent Russian attacks in western Ukraine, and the Polish army has raised several aircraft as a preventive measure.