Poland activated its own and NATO air defenses to intercept drones that entered its airspace on Wednesday during Russia’s attack on neighboring Ukraine. The Polish army referred to this as an act of aggression, marking Poland’s first direct involvement in the war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that operations were ongoing and that he was in close communication with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. According to Tusk, an operation was underway to address the repeated violations of Polish airspace using military force.
Poland’s military command confirmed that drones had repeatedly breached its airspace during the Russian attack on western Ukraine. Radars detected over 10 objects, and those deemed threatening were “neutralized.” Some drones that entered Polish airspace were shot down, and ongoing searches are being conducted to locate potential crash sites.
Due to the military action, Chopin Airport in Warsaw, the country’s largest, closed its airspace, while three other airports also shut down due to unforeseen military activity related to national security.
Ukraine experienced air raid alerts across the country throughout the night, including in western regions bordering Poland. In the United States, Senator Dick Durbin stated that these incursions indicate Russian President Vladimir Putin is testing the resolve of countries to protect Poland and the Baltic nations.
The incidents come after Poland’s newly elected nationalist president warned that Putin is prepared to invade more countries following the launch of his war in Ukraine. Additionally, US President Donald Trump has said he is ready to impose additional sanctions on Russia after unsuccessful negotiations for a peace deal.
Poland has been on high alert since a stray Ukrainian missile struck a Polish village in 2022, resulting in the death of two people. However, until Wednesday, there were no reports of Polish or allied defense systems destroying drones.
These developments come ahead of upcoming military drills by Russia and Belarus, which have heightened security concerns in the region. Poland plans to close its border with Belarus due to the “very aggressive” exercises, and neighboring Lithuania intends to strengthen its border controls.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/10/poland-shoots-down-drones-over-its-territory-amid-russian-attack-on-ukraine-says-military
