Poland downs Russian drones in its airspace

WARSAW,— Polish forces shot down suspected Russian drones over its territory on Wednesday with support from NATO aircraft, marking the first time a NATO member is known to have fired on aircraft in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament the incident represented “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two.” He also stressed, however, that he had “no reason to believe we are on the brink of war.”

Polish F-16 fighter jets, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS surveillance planes, and NATO midair refueling aircraft were deployed in an operation that lasted from Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, according to Polish officials.

The mission targeted drones that entered Polish airspace as part of a broader Russian strike on Ukraine.

In the eastern village of Wyryki-Wola, a drone crashed into the two-story brick home of pensioner Tomasz Wesolowski at 6:30 a.m. while he was downstairs watching the news.

The roof was destroyed, and debris scattered across the bedroom. Wesolowski told Reuters the house “needs to be demolished.” Elsewhere in southeastern Poland, fields showed blackened marks where other drones had fallen.

Moscow denied responsibility for the incursion. Andrey Ordash, Russia’s charge d’affaires in Poland, cited by the RIA state news agency, said the accusations were “groundless” and that Poland had provided no proof the drones were Russian.

Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged launching a large strike on western Ukraine but said it did not intend to target Polish territory.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, a conservative ally, in what Nawrocki described as part of ongoing consultations with NATO partners.

The conversation, according to Nawrocki’s post on X, “reaffirmed our unity.” Trump also wrote on social media, “What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!” without elaborating further.

European leaders, including those from France, Britain, Germany, and Canada, condemned the suspected Russian incursion. Several NATO members, including Slovenia, Denmark, Greece, France, and Britain, requested that the United Nations Security Council convene Friday to address the violations of Polish airspace, according to diplomats.

Polish authorities said 19 objects entered their airspace during the Russian attack, with those posing a threat shot down. Tusk described the event as a “large-scale provocation” and activated Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows members to seek consultations when they feel threatened.

A senior military source indicated that at least five drones appeared to be heading toward Rzeszow airport, a primary hub for NATO arms supplies to Ukraine.

The source suggested that Russia may have been testing NATO’s air defense and warning systems. NATO officials, while confirming an ongoing investigation, called the incursion “absolutely reckless.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by phone with Tusk, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and other European leaders, emphasizing the need for a coordinated European air defense system.

During the operation, the Polish Armed Forces’ Operational Command advised residents in three eastern regions to remain indoors. Several airports, including Rzeszow, temporarily closed.

Polish military officials reported that at least some of the drones were Gerbera drones, inexpensive long-range drones reportedly assembled from kits supplied by China’s Skywalker Technology at Russia’s Yelabuga facility.

Countries bordering Ukraine have previously reported occasional Russian drones or missiles crossing into their airspace, but none on such a scale or with known interceptions by local forces. In 2022, two people in Poland died after a Ukrainian air defense missile accidentally struck the country.

Since NATO’s formation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked seven times, most recently in February 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine. Riki Ellison, a missile defense expert with experience advising U.S. and allied forces, said, “It’s not the beginning of World War Three, but it’s evolving Russia’s understanding of how we fight and our weaknesses.”

Russia has repeatedly stated it has no intention of provoking NATO, while Western officials have expressed concern over perceived threats. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is preparing additional sanctions targeting “shadow fleet” oil tankers and nations purchasing Russian oil. Trump indicated over the weekend that he is considering a second phase of sanctions on Russia after months of discussions about a peace deal.

Poland Ready to Respond

Tusk said Poland is ready to respond to any provocations or attacks. “We are dealing with a large-scale provocation,” he said. “We are ready to repel such provocations. The situation is serious, and no one doubts that we must prepare for various scenarios.”

(With files from Reuters)