Warsaw: Poland on Thursday said that it will impose restrictions on air traffic in its eastern region following the downing of reported Russian drones over its territory.

According to a statement by the PAZP air traffic control agency, civilian flights near the border with Belarus and Ukraine will be suspended until 9 December, except for exceptional cases.

The measure "is being put in place to assure national security", it said.

Polish authorities said on Wednesday that the NATO and EU member's airspace was violated 19 times on Wednesday, with at least three drones shot down as Poland and NATO allies scrambled jets.

AFP