Poland confirmed Wednesday that its airspace was breached by Russian drones during Moscow’s latest assault on Ukraine, prompting Warsaw and NATO allies to scramble warplanes. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the incident an “act of aggression” and said drones posing direct threats were shot down.
First NATO Engagement of Its Kind
Poland’s military described the event as an “unprecedented violation” of its skies. NATO confirmed Dutch jets helped intercept drones, marking the first time the alliance’s aircraft engaged threats inside Allied airspace. German Patriot missiles in Poland were also placed on alert, and Italian surveillance aircraft supported the mission.
“NATO responded quickly and decisively,” said Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO’s European commander.
European Leaders Call It Deliberate
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said evidence suggested Russia intentionally targeted Polish airspace. “This was the most serious European airspace violation since the war began,” she said, urging stronger measures against Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed that assessment, saying at least eight drones were aimed at Poland and warning it was a “dangerous precedent for Europe.”
Poland Invokes NATO Talks
Tusk told parliament that 19 incursions were identified overnight and at least three drones shot down, with no injuries reported. He said Poland had formally requested urgent NATO consultations under Article 4, which allows members to meet when territorial security is threatened.
Though Article 5—the collective defense clause—was not invoked, officials stressed solidarity. “We will defend every inch of NATO territory,” said U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker.
Damage on the Ground
Polish police found a damaged drone in the village of Czosnowka and reported a building hit by falling debris elsewhere. Authorities urged residents not to touch unidentified objects, warning they may contain hazardous materials.
Escalation Risks
The drone incursion occurred as Russia unleashed a wave of strikes across Ukraine, including near the border city of Lviv. Poland’s president, Karol Nawrocki, warned that Moscow’s aggression could expand further into Europe.
Ukraine’s foreign minister cautioned that a weak Western response would embolden the Kremlin. “Putin just keeps escalating and testing the West,” Andriy Sybiga said.
Poland, a key supporter of Kyiv and home to more than a million Ukrainian refugees, has experienced prior airspace violations, but officials say this incident is the most serious yet.
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