Additional Coverage:
- NATO shoots down Russian drones in Polish airspace, accusing Moscow of being ‘absolutely reckless’ (cnn.com)
NATO Intercepts Russian Drones in Polish Airspace, Sparking International Concern
Tensions escalated dramatically early Wednesday as NATO fighter jets intercepted and shot down multiple Russian drones that crossed into Polish airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine. This marks the first time NATO has fired shots since the war in Ukraine began, raising fears of further conflict.
Polish and Dutch jets, supported by Italian, German, and NATO multinational forces, carried out the interception. Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the Polish parliament, stating that while Poland is not currently at war, the situation brings the country closer to conflict than at any point since World War II. He described the situation as facing an “enemy that does not hide its hostile intentions,” and confirmed that Poland invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, initiating discussions within the alliance on the appropriate response.
Russia’s defense ministry acknowledged the overnight strike on Ukraine but denied targeting Poland. They claimed the drones used have a limited range and no Polish targets were selected. The Russian foreign ministry dismissed the incident as Polish-manufactured “myths” intended to escalate the crisis.
NATO chief Mark Rutte countered, asserting the airspace violation was not an isolated incident and, regardless of intent, was “absolutely reckless” and “absolutely dangerous.” He praised NATO’s swift and successful response as a demonstration of the alliance’s commitment to defend its territory. The operation included Polish F-16s, Dutch F-35s, an Italian early warning aircraft, German Patriot missile systems, and a NATO refueling aircraft.
Prime Minister Tusk reported a total of 19 airspace intrusions, many originating from Belarus. He labeled the incident an “unprecedented violation” lasting from just before midnight Tuesday to 6:30 a.m.
Wednesday. Polish prosecutors identified some of the downed drones as Russian versions of the Iranian Shahed drone, known as Gerbera.
Debris was found in several locations, though no explosives were discovered. Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski argued the number of drones involved points to a deliberate act by Russia.
While a residential building in Wyryki, eastern Poland, was struck by an object still under investigation, thankfully no injuries were reported. The incident prompted strong reactions from international leaders.
US President Donald Trump reacted on social media and planned to speak with Polish President Karol Nawrocki. Defense ministers from the UK, France, Germany, and Italy condemned the incident as unacceptable provocation and pledged support for Poland.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius deemed it a “deliberate and targeted provocation.” Other world leaders echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the seriousness of the violation and calling for a strong response.
The incident coincided with heightened tensions following Putin’s recent meeting with Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un in China, after which Russia launched intensified aerial assaults on Ukraine. These attacks, largely targeting residential areas and infrastructure, underscore the escalating nature of the conflict and the growing concern over Russia’s intentions.