Poland says Russian drones violated its airspace 19 times overnight, with at least three shot down after Warsaw and allies scrambled jets. Prime Minister Donald Tusk invoked NATO’s Article 4 for urgent consultations, warning parliament: “This situation… brings us closer than ever to open conflict since World War II”. He added there is no state of war, but the risk is growing.
Damage on the Ground, No Injuries
Footage from Wyryki-Wola in eastern Poland showed a house with its roof torn open. A resident told AFP the blast came “suddenly,” but authorities reported no injuries. The incident highlighted how Russian drones could violate Polish airspace without immediate detection. The interior ministry later said teams had located 15 drones and debris from an unknown projectile so far.
Allies Condemn Moscow, Call it a Test
NATO chief Mark Rutte denounced Moscow’s “reckless behaviour” and praised the alliance’s swift air-defence response. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the Kremlin is “testing” Western resolve, while Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Russia “endangered human lives”. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a “real risk” of the war widening beyond Ukraine. A senior NATO diplomat told AFP the alliance may shift extra assets to Poland and the eastern flank amid concerns that Russian drones violate Polish airspace, prompting calls for increased defense measures.
US Response
US President Donald Trump posted, “What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!” and the White House said he would speak with Polish President Karol Nawrocki as Washington tracks events. Russian drones violate Polish airspace amid Moscow’s latest barrage against Ukraine, but Russia’s defence ministry denies targeting Poland and accuses Warsaw of escalation. Poland, a key hub for aid to Ukraine and home to over a million Ukrainian refugees, has closed remaining crossings with Belarus ahead of Russia-Belarus drills starting Friday.
Russian drones violate Polish airspace is now a central test of NATO unity, with Warsaw seeking a strong, collective answer as tensions mount on the alliance’s eastern edge.
