Polish prime minister Donald Tusk announced on X that a "huge number of Russian drones" violated Poland's airspace between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, some posing a "direct threat" to national security.
The Polish Armed Forces Operational Command said jets were scrambled, ground defenses went on full alert and multiple drones were shot down after repeated incursions.
In an unusual security measure, Warsaw briefly closed its four main airports—including Chopin Airport—citing "unplanned military activity." Notices on the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration site confirmed the closures.
Defense minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the air force engaged and neutralized hostile aerial objects that crossed into Polish skies.
International Reactions
- Polish President Karol Nawrocki called a National Security Council meeting within 48 hours to review what he deemed an "unprecedented" incident.
- NATO's North Atlantic Council convened to assess its first-ever engagement with threats in allied airspace.
- Italy's foreign minister Antonio Tajani condemned the violations as "very serious and unacceptable."
- French president Emmanuel Macron labeled the attack "simply unacceptable" and plans to speak with NATO leadership.
- Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that at least eight drones were aimed at Poland.
- Russia's RIA agency quoted a diplomat saying Poland offered no proof the drones were Russian.
This incident highlights rising tensions on NATO's eastern flank and marks a new chapter in air defense cooperation.
Reference(s):
Poland says its airspace violated by huge number of Russian drones
cgtn.com
