Warsaw, September 10, 2025 — Poland has confirmed that its military shot down several Russian drones after they crossed into its airspace overnight, in what officials are calling the most serious security incident for a NATO member since the start of the Ukraine war.
According to Polish authorities, at least 19 drones entered from the direction of Belarus during a massive Russian assault on Ukrainian cities. Fighter jets and allied aircraft were scrambled in response, intercepting the drones before they could cause significant damage. Airports in Warsaw, Lublin, and other eastern regions were temporarily shut down as a precaution, and civilians were urged to remain indoors.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incursion as a “large-scale provocation”, warning that the situation brings Europe closer to direct confrontation with Russia than at any point in recent decades. However, he emphasized that Poland’s response was defensive, not an act of war.
In an emergency move, Poland invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows member states to call consultations when they feel their security is threatened. While this does not trigger the automatic collective defense clause of Article 5, it places the issue squarely on the alliance’s agenda and signals the seriousness with which Warsaw views the violation.
Allied leaders were quick to react. France condemned the drone strikes as “unacceptable aggression,” while NATO commanders praised the rapid, coordinated response of Polish and allied forces, including Dutch and Italian units. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at least eight Iranian-made Shahed drones had specifically targeted Poland, calling the incident “an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe.”
The drone incursion highlights how the war in Ukraine is increasingly spilling across borders, raising the risk of escalation. Analysts note that NATO’s quick defensive action demonstrates unity, but the situation also underscores the fragility of Europe’s security architecture.
For now, the alliance is treading carefully, balancing deterrence with restraint. Yet the message from Warsaw is clear: Poland will defend its skies, and NATO stands ready to respond if the threat continues.
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