By Michelle Ndaga
Poland has shot down multiple drones that violated its airspace during a large-scale Russian assault on western Ukraine, describing the incursion as “an act of aggression.”
Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that Polish forces intercepted and destroyed the drones in the eastern regions of Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin.
He added that he had spoken with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and convened an emergency cabinet meeting to assess the situation.
According to military officials, at least a dozen drones entered Polish territory before being neutralized by air defenses. Debris from the interceptions has been recovered, while search operations are ongoing in affected areas.
Flights at Warsaw Chopin Airport were briefly suspended, and residents were advised to remain indoors as precautionary measures.
The government’s move marks the first time Poland has directly taken down hostile drones since the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022. Analysts warn the incident signals a dangerous escalation, with potential to draw NATO deeper into the war.
The United States and European allies have been briefed, while Ukrainian officials accused Moscow of deliberately testing NATO’s resolve. Poland, meanwhile, has announced plans to tighten security and consider closing its border with Belarus as Russian-Belarusian military drills intensify.
