On September 10, 2025, NATO member country Poland activated its defenses following a significant breach of its airspace involving suspected Russian drones. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported that there were at least 19 violations, many of which originated from Belarus. This prompted Poland to invoke NATO's Article 4, seeking urgent consultations with member states to address the escalating situation.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to rise, Poland reported multiple drone incursions, coinciding with a barrage of Russian strikes across Ukraine, especially in the western regions. Prime Minister Tusk described these airspace violations as a serious provocation by Russia, emphasizing that the risk of conflict has reached levels not seen since World War II.
The invocation of NATO Article 4 signifies that a member state feels threatened and seeks consultations with other members. During a parliamentary session, Tusk confirmed that NATO's Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) was activated in response to the ongoing threats. He noted that three drones had been confirmed shot down, with a possibility of a fourth, highlighting the unprecedented nature of these events.
In the wake of Poland's claims, the Kremlin remained silent about the downing of the Russian drones. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the issue should be addressed by the Defense Ministry and dismissed accusations of Russian provocations, describing the narrative from NATO and the EU as lacking substantiation.
Russia's envoy to Poland contested the assertions made by Warsaw, claiming that the drones were launched from Ukraine rather than Belarus. This claim adds to the confusion surrounding the source of the drones, with Poland maintaining that the majority were indeed Russian and had entered from Belarus, a close ally of Moscow.
Other European leaders have expressed solidarity with Poland following the drone incursions. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban condemned the breach of territorial integrity, while French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the incident as "unacceptable." Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the security of Poland and the broader European region.
In a show of solidarity, the Netherlands confirmed that its F-35 fighter jets assisted in the operation to down the drones. Acting Prime Minister Dick Schoof stated that the Netherlands stands firmly with Poland, characterizing the drone incursions as a threat to European security.
In response to the drone attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the establishment of a joint air defense system with European allies. He accused Russia of deliberately targeting Poland and stressed the importance of a united defense strategy to counter such threats effectively.
As the situation unfolds, Polish Prime Minister Tusk reassured the public that the situation is currently under control and that there is no immediate need for panic among citizens. He reiterated that Poland is prepared to respond to any further provocations. The consultations with NATO allies continue, emphasizing the significance of collective defense in maintaining regional stability amid escalating tensions with Russia.
