At least three Russian drones were shot down by Polish and other NATO aircraft in Poland's airspace during overnight attacks on Ukraine, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Tusk informed MPs that Poland recorded 19 incursions, forcing the temporary closure of four airports, including Warsaw's primary hub, Chopin. He emphasized that this event brings Poland the closest it has been to open conflict since World War Two.
This incident is notable as it marks the first time Russian drones have been downed over a NATO member state since Moscow initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Meanwhile, Russia's defense ministry denied any intentions to target Polish facilities.
The maximum range of these drones does not exceed 700 km (435 miles), a statement from the ministry asserted, while also expressing readiness for consultations with the Polish defense ministry.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky referred to the drone incursions as an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe, with impacts extending beyond simple territorial violations.
Tusk called upon NATO members, invoking Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which can initiate urgent talks among alliance members. He and Polish President Karol Nawrocki maintained close contact with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who praised the decisive response from the alliance following the events.
The security of our homeland is our highest priority and requires close cooperation, President Nawrocki noted in a statement.
The Polish military reported that alongside the shootdowns, seven drones and the remains of an unidentified object were found throughout the country. Operations at major airports were suspended for hours, affecting numerous flights due to precautions.
This hostile wake-up call comes amidst a larger assault on Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces reported the launch of over 400 drones and 42 cruise missiles overnight.
