KYIV, UKRAINE: Poland has confirmed that a “huge number” of Russian drones violated its airspace overnight, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk declaring it the first time Moscow’s weapons have been intercepted over NATO territory.
Speaking before an emergency cabinet meeting, Tusk described the incident as a “large-scale provocation” and said drones posing a threat were destroyed by Polish and NATO pilots. “All our allies are taking the situation very seriously,” he said, while urging calm, noting there were no casualties, BBC reported.
AFP reported that the airspace breach came during one of Russia’s heaviest aerial assaults in months. According to Ukraine’s air force, Moscow launched 415 drones and 43 missiles overnight, killing at least one person and wounding several others. Air defences downed 386 drones and 27 missiles, but Ukrainian officials said at least eight UAVs crossed into Poland.
The unprecedented escalation triggered a Polish military operation, supported by NATO and Dutch aircraft, resulting in the temporary shutdown of airports, including Warsaw Chopin International. Authorities ordered residents in three border regions to remain indoors before later reopening airspace and announcing the situation was under control.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the drone incursion as “an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe,” warning that Russia was testing NATO’s red lines. “The Russians must feel the consequences. The pause in sanctions has gone on far too long,” Zelensky said, calling for a stronger Western response.
NATO confirmed its air defences engaged drones over Poland, with Secretary General Mark Rutte in close contact with Warsaw. “Numerous drones entered Polish airspace overnight and were met with Polish and NATO air defences,” spokesperson Allison Hart said, adding that NATO ambassadors would discuss the incident in Brussels.
Russia has not commented on the incursion. Analysts say the episode underscores the risk of Moscow’s war spilling directly into NATO territory — a red line that could escalate the conflict far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
