On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the National Police Headquarters (KGP) reported that during the night, police officers in Łuków received a report of an explosion in the village of Osiny (Lublin Voivodeship).
Po godz. 2:00 w nocy z wtorku na środę policjanci otrzymali zgłoszenie na temat "eksplozji, wybuchu" w miejscowości Osiny w powiecie łukowskim. W miejscu upadku niezidentyfikowanego obiektu powstał krater, a wśród szczątków znaleziono obiekt przypominający śmigło pic.twitter.com/JmAsmAaBK0
— 𝕸𝖔𝖗𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖓 (@Morgenstern616) August 20, 2025
“Police officers were dispatched to the scene, where, after searching the area, they discovered metal and plastic fragments of an unknown object in an undeveloped field.”
“No one was injured in the incident. A nearby farm building sustained damage (broken windows, damaged doors).”
“The police are securing the area, and activities are being carried out under the supervision of a prosecutor. The military and relevant services have been notified.”
National Police Headquarters
Dzisiejszej nocy funkcjonariusze Policji w Łukowie otrzymali zgłoszenie o eksplozji, do której doszło w miejscowości Osiny (woj. lubelskie).
Na miejsce zdarzenia skierowano policjantów, którzy w wyniku penetracji terenu ujawnili na obszarze niezabudowanym metalowe i plastikowe… pic.twitter.com/7u6sCmiGwV
— Polska Policja 🇵🇱 (@PolskaPolicja) August 20, 2025
Meanwhile, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during the night the Russians carried out another attack using ballistic missiles as well as Geran/Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles and various types of drone decoys. Notably, it was reported that the interceptions of the aerial threats took place in northern and eastern Ukraine.
Full statement:
“On the night of August 20 (starting at 19:30 on August 19), the enemy attacked with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles from Crimea, as well as 93 Geran/Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles and various drone decoys launched from Shatalovo, Bryansk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russia), and Chauda (Crimea).”
“The attack was repelled by aviation, air defense missile forces, electronic warfare (EW) units, UAV systems, and mobile air defense groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”
“According to preliminary data, by 9:00 a.m. air defenses had intercepted or forced the destruction of one Iskander-M ballistic missile and 62 UAVs over the north and east of the country.”
This means that 31 UAVs managed to penetrate the defenses.
ЗБИТО/ПОДАВЛЕНО БАЛІСТИЧНУ РАКЕТУ ТА 62 ВОРОЖІ БПЛАhttps://t.co/YDpp1NKXsr pic.twitter.com/qGzbc4v9bR
— Генеральний штаб ЗСУ (@GeneralStaffUA) August 20, 2025
UPDATE
The Armed Forces Operational Command (DO RSZ) issued a press release stating that there was no violation of Polish airspace during the night:
“With reference to reports of debris found in Łuków County, we inform you that after conducting preliminary analyses of radar system records, no violation of Polish airspace was detected last night, either from the direction of Ukraine or Belarus.”
“The information about the discovery of an object, which according to initial assessments may be a part of an old engine with a propeller, was passed on to the Air Operations Center – Air Component Command. Appropriate services, including Military Police personnel, are working at the scene, conducting a detailed analysis of the object. Air and Ground Search and Rescue Teams have been activated to check the area of the incident.”
“The staff of Poland’s air defense system conducts continuous, around-the-clock monitoring of national airspace, remaining in constant readiness to ensure its security.”
W odniesieniu do informacji o znalezieniu szczątków obiektu na terenie powiatu łukowskiego, informujemy, że po przeprowadzeniu wstępnych analiz zapisów systemów radiolokacyjnych, minionej nocy nie zarejestrowano naruszenia polskiej przestrzeni powietrznej ani z kierunku Ukrainy,… pic.twitter.com/DUcE5kIDWy
— Dowództwo Operacyjne RSZ (@DowOperSZ) August 20, 2025
Remains of a piston engine were found:
Silnik – główny dowód w sprawie drona, który spadł na Lubelszczyźnie, podobny do silnika Shahed’a ale jego góra Wam pasuje ? pic.twitter.com/QL56EzFFF0
— Michal Stela (@michalstela) August 20, 2025
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz during his visit to the FA-50 Simulator Training Center at the 23rd Tactical Air Base in Mińsk Mazowiecki:
“In Łuków County, intensive operations are underway involving all services: the police, military police, Territorial Defense Forces, as well as operational forces. To secure the entire search area, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles have been deployed to survey all terrain that might in any way have been affected by these events. As for the incident itself and its analysis – today, at this moment, every possible version must be taken into account.”
“We are analyzing all potential scenarios. Regarding the operational commander’s report on airspace – which I received this morning, as I do every morning – radar systems, according to preliminary analysis, did not record any violation of airspace. However, that does not mean we will not verify this matter further. It is one of the hypotheses that must be considered. We are talking about small objects – drones are difficult to detect – and most likely it is indeed a drone that crashed. For now, I stress: for now, it does not bear any clear signs indicating a military nature. Therefore, we cannot rule out that we are dealing with a smuggling drone. Acts of sabotage also cannot be ruled out – such incidents have already taken place in other countries – meaning sabotage on the territory of the Republic of Poland.”
“At this point, all services are examining each of the three possibilities: a Russian drone, a smuggling drone, and an act of sabotage that may have been carried out on Polish territory. To everyone in any way involved in these efforts, I would like to extend my sincere thanks for their precise and meticulous approach.”
Wicepremier W. @kosiniakkamysz: w powiecie łukowskim trwają intensywne działania wszystkich służb: zarówno policji, żandarmerii wojskowej, Wojsk Obrony Terytorialnej, jak i wojsk operacyjnych. W celu zabezpieczenia całego terenu przeszukania uruchomione zostały śmigłowce i statki…
— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) August 20, 2025
Wicepremier W. @kosiniakkamysz: Analizujemy wszystkie potencjalne i możliwe scenariusze. Jeśli chodzi o meldunek dowódcy operacyjnego dotyczący przestrzeni powietrznej – bo taki otrzymałem dzisiaj rano, jak każdego ranka – systemy radiolokacyjne według wstępnej analizy nie…
— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) August 20, 2025
Wicepremier W. @kosiniakkamysz: Na ten moment wszystkie służby badają każdą z trzech wersji: drona rosyjskiego, drona przemytniczego oraz akt sabotażu, który mógł zostać dokonany na terytorium Polski. Wszystkim, którzy są w jakikolwiek sposób zaangażowani w te działania,…
— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) August 20, 2025
The Territorial Defence Forces Command reported that the Ground Search and Rescue Team of the 2nd Lublin Territorial Defence Brigade is assisting in the search for parts of an unidentified aerial object that fell in the village of Osiny. The soldiers were deployed to the search operation at the request of the Operational Command of the Armed Forces. About 20 TDF soldiers are taking part in the search.
🚨 Naziemny Zespół Poszukiwawczo-Ratowniczy 2 Lubelskiej Brygady Obrony Terytorialnej wspiera poszukiwania elementów niezidentyfikowanego obiektu powietrznego, który spadł w m. Osiny.
Żołnierze #NZPR #2LBOT zostali skierowani do poszukiwań na wniosek @DowOperSZ. W poszukiwaniach… pic.twitter.com/hCtTxxOONb
— Terytorialsi | Zawsze Gotowi, Zawsze Blisko! (@terytorialsi) August 20, 2025
The National Security Bureau (BBN) announced that the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, is being kept informed about the situation related to the incident in the village of Osiny, Łuków County. The Head of the National Security Bureau, Prof. Sławomir Cenckiewicz, discussed the matter with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Information regarding the incident is also being provided to the Bureau by government institutions, and BBN leadership remains in contact with the Armed Forces Operational Command (DO RSZ).
Prezydent RP @NawrockiKn jest na bieżąco informowany o sytuacji związanej z incydentem w miejscowości Osiny w powiecie łukowskim.
Szef Biura Bezpieczeństwa Narodowego @Cenckiewicz rozmawiał o sprawie z Wicepremierem, Ministrem Obrony Narodowej @KosiniakKamysz. Informacje…
— BBN (@BBN_PL) August 20, 2025
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski:
Another violation of our airspace from the East confirms that Poland’s most important mission vis-à-vis NATO is the defense of our own territory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will protest against the perpetrator.
Kolejne naruszenie naszej przestrzeni powietrznej ze Wschodu potwierdza, że najważniejszą misją Polski wobec NATO jest obrona naszego własnego terytorium.
Będzie protest MSZ wobec sprawcy.— Radosław Sikorski 🇵🇱🇪🇺 (@sikorskiradek) August 20, 2025
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz:
“Russia is once again provoking NATO countries, after drone incidents that took place in Romania, Lithuania, and Latvia, as well as after airspace violations that occurred in almost all NATO states, particularly in Scandinavia, the Baltic states, and also in Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria. Once again, we are dealing with a provocation by the Russian Federation using a Russian drone. This comes at a particularly sensitive moment, during discussions about peace, when there is hope for ending the war that Russia has waged against Ukraine. This war simultaneously threatens the security of NATO countries.”
“We have spoken with all relevant services. Such briefings are held in both the Ministry of the Interior and Administration and the Ministry of National Defense. There is full cooperation between all state services: the Internal Security Agency (ABW), Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW), Military Police, Police, which was the first to intervene, as well as with our allies, who are being kept informed in real-time. I have also been in contact with the head of the National Security Bureau. Of course, we are in communication within the government — with the Prime Minister and with Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski, who will take appropriate diplomatic steps. I would like to emphasize that these actions have been ongoing for many months, and in recent weeks they have accelerated significantly.”
“I would like to emphasize that these activities have been ongoing for several months and have intensified in recent weeks. First of all, we are developing a comprehensive air and missile defense system, as well as an overall air defense system for the Polish state, on multiple levels. This is a process that cannot be completed overnight and requires many years. However, it is worth highlighting the decisions made in recent years and months. One of the key decisions made in May last year was the purchase of radar aerostats, which can detect even small objects with a surface area of around 1.1 square meters, moving from ground level to several thousand meters in altitude. This is an excellent complement to air defense, radar, and radiolocation reconnaissance capabilities.”
“I have tasked the operational commander with preparing a comprehensive report on today’s Russian provocation and the recommendations that follow from it. What kind of situations have occurred in NATO states and among our allies? Airspace violations and provocative drone attacks occurred eight times on the territory of Moldova, three times on Romania, three times on Lithuania, and twice on Latvia. These were exclusively drone-related incidents. This time, the provocation concerns Poland. The coordination of services, the raising of readiness levels of all systems, including scrambling a helicopter around midnight yesterday — as always happens when there is a drone attack on Ukraine — also took place this time.”
Gen. Dariusz Malinowski, Deputy Operational Commander of the Armed Forces:
“From our assessment, this was a so-called decoy drone — a bait drone that did not carry a warhead but had a self-destruct mechanism. Helicopters were immediately scrambled to check whether there were any additional explosions in the area or sites characteristic of air crashes or drone strikes. No such sites were confirmed. Ground teams are now conducting intensive operations to locate the remaining debris of this drone. Based on our analysis, this drone was designed to be extremely difficult to detect. It likely flew very low to avoid our radar coverage. For now, this is the extent of the information we have.”
Wicepremier W. @KosiniakKamysz: Rosja po raz kolejny prowokuje państwa NATO — po incydentach dronowych, które miały miejsce w Rumunii, na Litwie i Łotwie, a także po naruszeniach przestrzeni powietrznej, do których doszło w niemal wszystkich państwach NATO, w szczególności w… pic.twitter.com/BB42eYGdYf
— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) August 20, 2025
Wicepremier W. @KosiniakKamysz:
Rozmawialiśmy ze wszystkimi służbami. Takie odprawy odbywają się zarówno w Ministerstwie Spraw Wewnętrznych i Administracji, jak i w Ministerstwie Obrony Narodowej. Istnieje pełne współdziałanie wszystkich służb państwa: ABW, SKW, Żandarmerii…— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) August 20, 2025
Wicepremier W. @KosiniakKamysz: Chciałbym podkreślić, że te działania towarzyszą nam od wielu miesięcy, a w ostatnich tygodniach nabrały szczególnego przyspieszenia. Po pierwsze, budujemy całościowy system obrony przeciwlotniczej i przeciwrakietowej, a także obrony powietrznej… pic.twitter.com/j5mr74GoKp
— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) August 20, 2025
Wicepremier W. @KosiniakKamysz: Postawiłem zadanie przed dowódcą operacyjnym przygotowania całościowego raportu dotyczącego dzisiejszej rosyjskiej prowokacji oraz zaleceń, które z niej wynikają. Do jakich sytuacji dochodziło w państwach NATO i u naszych sojuszników? Osiemkrotnie… pic.twitter.com/k0H3gVzKxc
— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) August 20, 2025
Gen. Dariusz Malinowski, zastępca Dowódcy Operacyjnego Rodzajów Sił Zbrojnych: Z naszej oceny wynika, że był to tzw. wabik — dron-wabik, który nie przenosił głowicy bojowej, lecz posiadał głowicę samodestrukcyjną. Natychmiast poderwano śmigłowce w celu sprawdzenia, czy w rejonie… pic.twitter.com/dkqb5xTiTH
— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) August 20, 2025