Poland announced that at least three Russian drones were shot down after breaching its airspace overnight during a large-scale assault on Ukraine. The incident marks the first time drones from Russia’s war have been destroyed over NATO territory, intensifying fears of a direct confrontation between Moscow and the Western alliance.
Drones Enter Polish Airspace, Airports Temporarily Closed
Speaking to lawmakers in Warsaw on Wednesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed that Polish authorities recorded 19 incursions by drones, some flying deep into the country. Four airports, including Warsaw’s main hub Chopin, were temporarily shut down as a precaution.
“This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two,” Tusk said, warning that the attack represented a serious escalation. He stressed that while there was no evidence of casualties, “a line has been crossed, and it is incomparably more dangerous than before.”
Polish officials confirmed that three, possibly four drones were downed by combined Polish and NATO air defence systems. The destroyed drones were located in eastern Poland, with fragments also recovered in central and northern regions, hundreds of kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
Russia Denies Intent, Offers Consultations
Moscow’s defence ministry dismissed claims it had deliberately targeted Poland, arguing that the maximum range of the drones in question “does not exceed 700 km.” It suggested navigation failures may have led to the border breach and expressed readiness to hold consultations with Warsaw.
Russia’s acting envoy in Poland also claimed that Warsaw had not provided conclusive evidence that the drones were Russian.
Belarus, a close ally of Moscow, went further, asserting that the drones likely strayed into Poland unintentionally after being disrupted by electronic jamming.
Strong Reactions From Allies and Neighbours
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the drone strikes as “an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe.” Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said the incident proved Russian President Vladimir Putin was deliberately widening the war.
In Washington, former U.S. President Donald Trump reacted on social media, writing: “What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!” A White House official confirmed Trump was monitoring the situation closely and planned to speak with Polish President Karol Nawrocki later in the day.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the swift response by Polish forces and allied aircraft, including Dutch F-35 jets. He called Russia’s actions “reckless,” though he stopped short of confirming whether the violation was intentional.
Emergency NATO Consultations
Prime Minister Tusk convened an emergency national security meeting on Wednesday morning and formally requested that NATO invoke Article 4 of its founding treaty. Article 4 calls for urgent consultations whenever a member feels its security is threatened.
Both Tusk and President Nawrocki said they remain in “regular contact” with NATO leadership. “The security of our homeland is our highest priority and requires close cooperation,” Nawrocki posted on social media platform X.
NATO officials confirmed that Poland’s request was under review. While Article 4 does not oblige allies to take military action, it could set the stage for broader defensive measures.
Polish Defence on High Alert
The Polish defence ministry released a statement saying the drones “were shot down pre-emptively” before they could cause damage.
Polish and NATO aircraft—including F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, Mi-24 and Mi-17 helicopters, and Black Hawk helicopters—were deployed to track and intercept the targets. Ground-based air defence and radar systems were placed on maximum alert across the eastern regions of Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin.
Military authorities urged residents to remain cautious and avoid approaching any unidentified debris. “With the safety of citizens in mind, we urge that in the event of observing an unknown object or its fragments, do not touch or move it,” the military said.
Scale of Overnight Assault on Ukraine
The drone incursions into Poland occurred during one of Russia’s largest aerial offensives against Ukraine in months.
According to Kyiv, Russia launched over 400 drones and 42 cruise missiles shortly before midnight, striking multiple regions throughout the night. Ukrainian officials said dozens of drones crossed western borders, with some veering into Poland.
Maps shared by Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak on social media showed flight paths of drones over Ukraine, some extending into Polish territory.
Escalating Risk of Wider War
Analysts warn that the downing of Russian drones over NATO soil could further strain already fragile East-West relations. While Poland has long been one of Kyiv’s strongest allies, direct attacks on its territory heighten the risk of miscalculation and potential escalation.
General Wiesław Kukuła, chief of Poland’s General Staff, attended the emergency meeting in Warsaw, underlining the gravity of the situation.
Though Tusk insisted Poland was not “on the brink of war,” he emphasised that the security environment had dramatically worsened: “This is no longer just a Ukrainian problem. It is a European one, and a NATO one.”
Sources: BBC
