Poland Activates NATO Talks After Russian Drones Breach Airspace, Escalating Regional Tensions

Poland has invoked NATO Article 4 consultations after an unprecedented incursion of its airspace by Russian drones. At least 19 drones intruded in Polish airspace overnight, with many said to have come from Belarus. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk attested that some drones were destroyed, one possibly in mid-air. This is the first time Poland has deployed military resources in its own airspace amid the conflict in Ukraine.

The attack prompted Poland to summon Russia's ambassador and close major airports temporarily, such as Warsaw's Chopin Airport. Polish and allied fighter jets, including Dutch F-35s, were scrambled to intercept the drones. Ground air defenses were placed on high alert.

EU leaders condemned the intrusion as a deliberate provocation and serious security threat to the region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged a shared air defense system, pointing to the drones as the latest in a broader escalation by Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reiterated the alliance's readiness to defend every inch of its territory.

Russia had refused to target Polish soil and wondered who sent the drones. Poland's government, however, maintains that the incursion was deliberate and marks a dangerous turn in the direction of the war. The atmosphere is still tense with demands for more defense cooperation in Europe.