Poland confirmed that Russian drones entered its airspace during an attack on Ukraine, marking the most serious violation of NATO territory since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Authorities said several drones were shot down with NATO assistance, while European leaders condemned the incursion as deliberate aggression and a dangerous escalation.
Details of the Incursion
Polish officials reported 19 breaches of national airspace, with four drones downed. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called it a “large-scale provocation,” while Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said the violations were intentional. Debris was found across several cities, prompting airspace closures and emergency alerts. NATO’s Dutch F-35 jets scrambled to intercept the drones, and U.S. commanders confirmed allied assets “responded quickly and decisively.”
NATO and EU Response
Poland invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, triggering consultations among alliance members. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte labeled the move “reckless,” while U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whittaker vowed to “defend every inch” of allied territory. EU leaders described the incident as a “game changer,” with calls for stronger collective defenses such as a “drone wall” to protect European skies. Baltic leaders echoed alarm, warning that Russian aggression is widening beyond Ukraine.
Russia’s Denial and Regional Tensions
Moscow dismissed the accusations as “groundless” and insisted no Polish targets were planned in its strike on Ukraine’s industrial sites. Belarus claimed the drones “lost their way” and said it shot some down over its own territory. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused NATO and EU leaders of provoking tensions. Analysts warned that the incursion was a test of NATO’s resolve, with Poland now more directly exposed as a key hub for Western military support to Ukraine.
While no casualties were reported, the breach highlights the escalating risks of spillover from Russia’s war in Ukraine into NATO territory. The incident underscores growing fears of wider conflict in Europe and raises pressure on allies to strengthen defenses and deliver a unified response to Moscow’s drone warfare.