Poland Braces for Potential Russian Hybrid Attacks Near Ukrainian Border

Residents in the Polish border community of Dorohusk are increasingly on edge due to the proximity of the war in Ukraine and escalating concerns over potential Russian hybrid attacks. The village, located just 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) from Ukraine, has experienced heightened alerts and disruptions.

In early September, two Russian drones exploded on the Ukrainian side of the Dorohusk-Yahodyn crossing, with the sounds of the explosions clearly heard in the Polish village. This incident marked the first time air raid sirens were activated in Dorohusk, leading to increased apprehension among its residents.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russia may be planning hybrid strikes using drones or rockets targeting European nations that support Ukraine, with regions bordering Ukraine considered particularly vulnerable. Other European leaders and intelligence services have echoed these concerns.

While communities like Dorohusk have long lived with the shadow of the war, including the influx of Ukrainian refugees and a Russian missile that traversed Polish airspace in July, the recent drone incidents and official preparations for further attacks have amplified a sense of unease.

Schools in the area have incorporated safety drills into their daily routines. Jarosław Wójcicki, director of the Dorohusk school, stated that staff, including psychologists, discuss safety procedures with students regularly. The school has had to evacuate once, with students taking cover in basement rooms where windows have been boarded up. Wójcicki described the efforts to manage the safety of hundreds of children as an enormous task, noting a mix of composure among older students and visible fear in younger ones.

In response to the heightened threat, Poland's Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz visited the Dorohusk-Yahodyn border crossing and announced the deployment of additional air defense assets, including Patriot batteries, to the border regions.

However, civil defense preparedness is still in its early stages for many communities. Mirosław Sokal, head of resident safety for Lublin, noted that after decades of perceived peace, rebuilding resilience is a priority. He advised a basic rule for air threats: seek shelter indoors and stay behind at least two walls, away from windows.

For residents of Dorohusk, many of whom live in houses with basements, seeking shelter is a feasible option. However, some expressed confusion and uncertainty about how to respond to vague threats. Irena Popek, an elderly resident, voiced concerns about having nowhere to hide if her basement is inaccessible. Others, like Renata Pastuszo, a shop employee, try to maintain a positive outlook. Krzysztof Rulka complained that the frequency of alerts has led to confusion, leaving residents unsure of what specific actions to take in response to distant threats.