Poland is Furious: Russian Drones Breach Polish Airspace
Poland closes airports and orders residents indoors as Russian drones violate its skies, heightening fears of direct NATO–Russia confrontation.
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Poland, a NATO member, scrambled fighter jets overnight after Russian drones crossed into its airspace, sparking alarm and leading authorities to close airports and order residents across three provinces to remain indoors.
Ukraine first warned Warsaw that Russian UAVs were heading toward Polish territory. In response, Poland raised its air defense readiness to the highest level and deployed fighter aircraft in the eastern part of the country.
“Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defense and reconnaissance systems have been placed on maximum alert,” Poland’s Operational Command announced on X.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported the drones were moving westward toward the cities of Zamość and Hrubieszów.
According to the Polish military, its airspace has been violated “multiple times” by Russian drones. “An operation is now underway to identify and neutralize the objects. By order of the Operational Commander, weapons have been deployed, and security forces are searching for downed drones,” the statement read. Residents of three provinces were instructed to remain inside their homes until further notice.
Air traffic was also disrupted, including at Warsaw’s international airport.
Political Fallout
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that the army had engaged the drones: “The military used weapons against the objects following repeated violations of our airspace,” he posted on X.
The incident comes just one day before Russia and Belarus are set to launch their joint Zapad military exercise, closely monitored by NATO.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki added: “We do not trust Vladimir Putin’s so-called good intentions,” warning that Moscow could attempt incursions into other European states.
Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command stated,
"As a result of attack by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian territory, there was an unprecedented violation of Polish airspace by drone-type objects. This is an act of aggression that posed a real threat to the safety of our citizens. On the order of the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, defensive procedures were immediately activated. Polish and allied assets radar-tracked several objects, and the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces made decisions to neutralize those that could pose a threat. Some of the drones that entered our airspace were shot down. Efforts are underway to search for and locate the possible crash sites of these objects. The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces is monitoring the current situation, and Polish and allied forces and assets remain fully prepared for further actions." (Open Source Intel)