Poland Shoots Down Russian Drones, Orders Millions To Stay Home In First Direct Involvement In Ukraine Conflict
Poland on Wednesday scrambled its military and NATO air defences to intercept Russian drones that violated its airspace during an attack on neighbouring Ukraine, marking Warsaw’s first direct involvement in the war. Polish authorities described the drone incursions as an “act of aggression” posing a real threat to citizens.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said operations were ongoing and confirmed he was in “constant contact” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Tusk also called an emergency council of ministers meeting for early Wednesday.
The Polish Army reported that radars tracked more than 10 drones entering Polish territory during the Russian attack across western Ukraine. Objects deemed a threat were neutralised, with searches underway to locate crash sites. Citizens in Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin regions were ordered to remain at home.
Chopin Airport in Warsaw, the country’s busiest, closed its airspace due to the military operations. Several incoming flights were diverted to airports in Katowice, Wroclaw, and Poznan. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration also confirmed temporary closures of Rzeszow–Jasionka Airport, a key hub for passenger and arms transfers to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s air force initially reported Russian drones had entered NATO-member Poland’s airspace, threatening Zamosc, but later removed the statement from Telegram.
U.S. officials and lawmakers described the drone incursions as an alarming escalation. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said repeated violations were a test of NATO’s resolve to protect Poland and the Baltic states. Republican Representative Joe Wilson called the drone attacks “an act of war,” adding that President Vladimir Putin was directly challenging NATO territory.
Former U.S. Army Europe commander Ben Hodges warned that repeated incursions indicate intentional tests of NATO and national air defences. “We need to be able to respond effectively, each time,” he said.
Poland has heightened vigilance following a stray Ukrainian missile strike in 2022 that killed two people in southern Poland. The country is also set to close its border with Belarus due to ongoing Russia-Belarus military exercises, known as the “Zapad” drills, which have raised regional security concerns. Lithuania similarly announced strengthened defences along its borders.
The violations coincide with continued Russian attacks on Ukraine and ongoing diplomatic and sanctions discussions between the European Union, the United States, and NATO allies.
