At least three Russian drones were shot down by Polish and NATO aircraft during overnight incursions into Poland's airspace. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the drone attacks, highlighting that such violations had the potential to shut down four major airports, including Warsaw's Chopin Airport.
Emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, Tusk stated, This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two. The downing of these drones marks a significant escalation since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, representing the first confirmed drone incursions over NATO territory.
The Russian defense ministry, in response, claimed that there were no plans to target Polish facilities, asserting that the range of the drones does not exceed 700 km. However, Ukrainian officials have condemned the incident as a dangerous precedent, escalating fears of broader conflict involving NATO nations.
The Polish military’s rapid response included deployment of F-35 and F-16 jets, showcasing the effectiveness of NATO's coordinated defense strategies. Local officials have since called for stronger measures to ensure the protection of communities at risk, reflecting a growing awareness of security needs across the region.
Experts believe this incident reflects a Russian strategy to test the defenses of neighboring countries amidst a highly charged geopolitical climate. As the drones posed a security threat, their preemptive shooting down heightened both regional and international tensions involved in the ongoing conflict.
