A significant incident unfolded overnight as a “huge number” of Russian drones breached Polish airspace, prompting a swift response from Poland’s air force. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the violation on social media, stating that drones posing a direct threat were successfully shot down. He also emphasized his ongoing communication with NATO leaders and allies.
The Polish military described the event as unprecedented, characterizing it as an act of aggression that directly threatened the safety of Polish citizens. Allied aircraft, including Dutch F-35 fighter jets, were deployed to secure Polish airspace, concluding their operations early Wednesday morning. The search for downed drones and assessment of potential impact sites is ongoing.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is closely consulting with Poland, confirming the entry of numerous drones into Polish airspace and the activation of NATO defenses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy labeled the incident as a dangerous escalation, highlighting the gravity of the situation for Europe. He specifically mentioned at least eight Russian drones crossing the border, emphasizing that this would not be considered an accident given the sheer number involved.
While the Kremlin has yet to issue an official statement, Zelenskyy argued that this was a deliberate act, not an accidental incursion, and called for consequences for Russia, urging an end to the expansion of the war. The possibility that electronic warfare measures could have caused some drones to stray off course during long-range strikes remains a factor, though the scale of the violation points towards a more deliberate action.
In response to the threat, Poland issued SMS alerts to cell phones in affected areas – a measure becoming increasingly common in neighboring Ukraine. The most affected regions were identified as Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lubelskie. Prime Minister Tusk convened an emergency government meeting, bringing together military and emergency officials, including a pre-meeting between Polish and Ukrainian foreign ministers. Tusk reassured the public there was no reason for panic, praising the swift and effective response of Polish forces and their allies.
The incident underscores the escalating tensions in the region and raises serious questions about the potential for further escalation. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and awaiting further developments.
