Poland shot down Russian drones that repeatedly violated its airspace during a major Russian attack on Ukraine, marking the first direct military engagement between the NATO member and Russia since the invasion began. The Polish Armed Forces confirmed weapons were used to neutralise drone-type objects that crossed the border.
The incident forced the closure of four airports, including Warsaw's major Chopin Airport, according to the US Federal Aviation Administration. Military aircraft were activated across the country to ensure airspace safety as Polish forces launched operations to locate the downed targets.
Historic escalation
"During today's attack by the Russian Federation targeting targets in Ukraine, our airspace was repeatedly violated by drones," the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said. "At the request of the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces, weapons have been used, and operations are underway to locate the downed targets."
Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk announced an operation "to neutralize objects that have violated and exceeded the border of the Republic of Poland." Prime Minister Donald Tusk (Civic Coalition) and President Karol Nawrocki were immediately notified of the unprecedented breach.
Only Evening Standard reports that radar systems tracked "more than 10 objects" with those posing direct threats being neutralised by Polish forces.
NATO implications
Prime Minister Tusk maintained constant contact with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte throughout the crisis, according to multiple sources. Only Independent reports that an emergency NATO council meeting has been called to discuss potential Article Five implications.
The violation prompted strong reactions in Washington, where Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said repeated violations of NATO airspace showed "Vladimir Putin is testing our resolve to protect Poland and the Baltic nations." Only Daily Mail reports that US lawmakers from both parties are calling the incident an "act of war."
Regional tensions
Poland has been on high alert since a stray Ukrainian missile struck a southern Polish village in 2022, killing two people. However, this marks the first time Polish or allied defence systems have actively destroyed foreign military objects over Polish territory.
Only Herald Scotland reports that the incident comes just days before Russian-Belarusian "Zapad 2025" military exercises beginning Friday through September 16. Ukraine's air force initially reported Russian drones entering Polish airspace near Zamosc but later removed that statement.
The Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in southeast Poland, a crucial hub for passenger and arms transfers to Ukraine, was among the facilities temporarily closed. Most of Ukraine, including western regions bordering Poland, remained under air raid alerts for several hours.
Sources used: "Reuters", "Guardian", "Nottingham Post", "Liverpool Echo", "Express", "Daily Record", "Herald Scotland", "Evening Standard", "Daily Mail", "Independent"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
