In a significant escalation of tensions, Polish airspace was violated overnight by a substantial number of Russian drones, prompting an urgent response from the nation's air force. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced early Wednesday via social media that several of these drones, which posed a direct threat, were successfully shot down. Tusk emphasized the ongoing communication with the NATO Secretary-General and allied nations to ensure the safety of Polish skies.
According to military officials, Polish and allied aircraft, including Dutch F-35 fighter jets, were deployed overnight as part of the operations to maintain security in Polish airspace. These operations concluded early Wednesday, but the search for downed drones and potential impact sites continued. The Polish military command characterized the drone incursions as an unprecedented act of aggression, highlighting the serious threat to the safety of Polish citizens.
Fortunately, Polish authorities reported no casualties resulting from the drone incursions. In response to the alarming situation, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that he was in close consultation with Poland. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed the activation of NATO defenses in light of the numerous drones that had entered Polish airspace.
The situation drew international condemnation, with French President Emmanuel Macron labeling the incident as "unacceptable." In a post on X, Macron called on Russia to cease its "reckless escalation," reiterating France's solidarity with Poland. Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, remarked on the severity of the situation, stating that Europe is engaged in a fight for liberty and self-determination. Von der Leyen highlighted that more than ten Russian Shahed drones violated Polish and European airspace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also weighed in, describing the drone incursions as an alarming escalation, noting that at least eight Russian drones had entered Polish airspace. Zelenskyy underscored the dangerous precedent this sets for Europe, asserting that had it only been one drone, it might be considered an accident, but multiple incursions indicate a deliberate act.
The drone incursions coincided with a major Russian strike on Ukraine, which included approximately 415 drones and 35 missiles. The Ukrainian air force reported intercepting 386 drones and 27 missiles during this attack. While the Kremlin has yet to comment on the drone incursions into Poland, Zelenskyy has called for accountability, emphasizing that Russia must face consequences for attempting to escalate the conflict.
Earlier reports from Polish military officials indicated that Polish airspace was repeatedly violated by drone-like objects during the overnight hours. In response, the Polish military urged citizens to remain indoors while operations to identify and neutralize the drones were underway. The regions of Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lubelskie were identified as the most threatened areas.
In light of the escalating situation, Tusk convened an extraordinary government meeting early Wednesday, gathering emergency and military officials. A senior Polish official disclosed to ABC News that Warsaw is seriously considering invoking Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows a NATO member to consult allies on security threats. Poland previously invoked this article on February 24, 2022, in response to the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Polish government and opposition are reportedly united in their decision to consider Article 4, with Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha prior to the government meeting. Tusk reassured that there was no need for panic, praising the effective response of the military and allied forces during this crisis.
While Poland took decisive action, Belarus, which has been allied with Russia, claimed to have downed drones that strayed off course due to electronic warfare impacts. The Belarusian Defense Ministry stated that it shared information with Poland and Lithuania, enabling a prompt response. However, Lithuania reported no violations of its airspace during this incident.
Additionally, Romania's Defense Ministry confirmed that two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled in response to aerial drone activity near the Ukrainian town of Valcov, although no drones entered Romanian airspace.
This incident marks a critical moment in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and raises significant concerns regarding the security of NATO member states. As Europe grapples with the implications of these incursions, solidarity among NATO allies remains paramount in addressing the threats posed by Russian military actions.
