Poland Downs Russian Drones After Airspace Violation, NATO Responds

Poland Downs Russian Drones After Airspace Violation, NATO Responds

Poland confirmed early Wednesday that multiple Russian drones crossed into its airspace during overnight attacks on Ukraine, marking a first for a NATO member state since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. The drones were shot down with the assistance of NATO allies.

“A Line Has Been Crossed”

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament that the military recorded 19 incursions, four of which were destroyed. Many of the drones reportedly entered from Belarus, a close Russian ally that has served as a launch site for previous strikes.

“This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two,” Tusk warned. He described the events as a “large-scale provocation” and said Article 4 of NATO’s treaty had been activated, prompting urgent consultations among alliance members.

NATO Allies Scramble

The Polish military labeled the incident an “act of aggression” and urged residents in three eastern regions to remain indoors. NATO air command confirmed fighter jets, including Dutch F-35s, were deployed to intercept and monitor the situation.

U.S. and NATO officials expressed solidarity with Poland, emphasizing that every NATO member’s security would be defended. Temporary airspace closures affected Warsaw’s Chopin Airport and Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport before reopening later in the day.

European Reaction

European leaders strongly condemned the violation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the evidence indicated the drone flights were intentional, not accidental. The European Union called it the most serious airspace breach since the war began, while leaders from Sweden, Norway, and the Baltic states warned that Russia is deliberately widening its aggression.

Belarus, however, claimed the drones “lost their way” and said some were shot down over its own territory. Moscow denied responsibility, calling Poland’s accusations “groundless.”

Growing Concern Over Escalation

Poland, which serves as a critical hub for Western weapons and aid to Ukraine, has been on high alert since 2022, when a stray Ukrainian missile killed two people in a Polish village. Russian missiles have briefly crossed Polish airspace before, but analysts warn this incident signals a dangerous escalation.

Observers believe Russian President Vladimir Putin may be testing NATO’s response and probing how far he can push before triggering a wider confrontation.

This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.