Poland scrambled its air defenses and NATO allies after Russian suicide drones repeatedly crossed into Polish airspace during overnight attacks on Ukraine, marking the first time Poland has engaged since the war began in 2022.
Polish officials said at least four drones were shot down in the early hours of Wednesday, while more than 10 objects were tracked.
Airspace Violated
The Polish Operational Command reported “drone-type objects” had crossed the border during Russia’s latest barrage against Ukraine.
“Some of the drones that entered our airspace were shot down,” the command said, calling the incident an “act of aggression that posed a real threat to the safety of our citizens.”
Searches are underway to locate debris from the downed drones.
Authorities ordered 8.6 million residents across several regions — including Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin — to remain indoors until the operation was complete.
Flights were diverted from Warsaw’s Chopin Airport and three other facilities.
Tracking data from Flightradar24 showed inbound planes rerouted to Katowice, Wroclaw, and Poznan.
Prime Minister’s Statement
Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the downings in a post on X.
“The drones intruded into our airspace and could have posed a threat. The operation is ongoing,” he wrote.
Donald Tusk
Tusk convened an emergency security meeting with his defense and interior ministers early Wednesday.
NATO Response
NATO fighters scrambled from bases in Romania and Slovakia, with at least one U.S. F-35 and a Dutch refueling aircraft taking part.
“Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace,” the Polish military command said, noting forces remain on “full readiness.”
US Reactions
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was briefed on the situation, CNN reported, though the State Department has not issued a formal comment.
In Washington, lawmakers called the violations a test of NATO’s resolve.
“Putin is testing our resolve to protect Poland and the Baltic nations,” said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) called the incident “an act of war” and urged President Donald Trump to escalate sanctions to “bankrupt the Russian war machine.”
Trump, who hosted Vladimir Putin at a U.S. summit in August, said last weekend he was ready to move into a “second phase” of sanctions after months of stalled peace talks.
He has not yet commented directly on Wednesday’s drone strike into Poland.
Border Tensions
The incident comes just a day before Poland is due to close its border with Belarus as Russia and Belarus conduct their large-scale Zapad-2025 military exercises.
NATO members Lithuania and Latvia are also strengthening defenses amid the drills.
