On September 10, 2025, Poland reported that several Russian drones entered its airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The Polish military, with assistance from NATO allies, shot down the drones, an action described as a first for a NATO member state since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. This incident has heightened tensions, prompting strong responses from Polish and European leaders, while Russia denies the drones were theirs.
A “Large-Scale Provocation”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the drone incursions a “large-scale provocation,” stating that the Polish military recorded 19 drone violations overnight, four of which were shot down. Tusk noted that many of the drones came from Belarus, a close ally of Russia often used as a staging ground for attacks on Ukraine. “This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two,” Tusk told Poland’s parliament, emphasizing the gravity of the event without claiming an imminent war.
The Polish military labeled the incursion an “act of aggression” and advised residents in three eastern regions to stay indoors due to the risk. NATO air defenses, including Dutch F-35 fighter jets, were mobilized to assist, marking the first time NATO forces directly engaged Russian targets since the Ukraine conflict began. Poland also activated Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows member states to request consultations with allies when their security is threatened.
International Reactions
European leaders condemned the incident as evidence of Russia’s escalating aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested on X that the drones’ direction of travel indicated the violation was intentional, not accidental. NATO confirmed its involvement, with spokesperson Allison Hart stating on X that “numerous drones entered Polish airspace overnight and were met with Polish and NATO air defenses.”
Russia, however, dismissed the accusations. Andrei Ordash, Moscow’s charge d’affaires in Warsaw, called the claims “groundless” and said there was “no evidence” the drones were Russian. Belarus, meanwhile, claimed the drones had “lost their way” and reported shooting some down over its own territory.
Broader Implications
The incident comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump has been pushing for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, but this event underscores the challenges of de-escalation. Trump has also urged the European Union to impose stricter sanctions on Russia, including halting purchases of Russian oil and gas. The EU, led by European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, is now considering accelerating its phase-out of Russian fossil fuels, with a proposed deadline of January 1, 2028, for ending all imports. However, opposition from countries like Hungary and Slovakia complicates these efforts.
Impact on Poland
The drone incursion led to temporary disruptions in Poland, including the closure of Warsaw’s Chopin airport for several hours. The airport has since reopened, but the incident has left Polish leaders on high alert. President Karol Nawrocki emphasized on X that “the security of our Homeland is the highest priority,” reflecting the nation’s resolve to protect its sovereignty.
A Tense Moment for NATO and Europe
This unprecedented violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones highlights the fragile state of European security. As NATO and its allies navigate this crisis, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the potential for broader conflict. For now, Poland and its allies remain vigilant, with the international community watching closely for what comes next.