Warsaw (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Poland PM Donald Tusk says airspace was violated by a “huge number” of Russian drones, with some shot down as NATO jets were scrambled.
As reported by The Telegraph, Donald Tusk said Poland’s airspace was violated overnight by a “huge number” of Russian drones.
He stated,
“Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down. I am in constant communication with the Secretary General of NATO and our allies.”
What did Poland say after Russian drones breached its airspace?
Warsaw confirmed NATO jets were deployed after Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace during strikes on western Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Polish and allied jets were activated, marking Warsaw’s first use of airspace assets since the start of the Ukraine conflict.
Authorities instructed citizens to remain at home as military forces launched an operation to secure the fallen projectiles.
Officials said Poland’s military was kept on high alert overnight due to
“further massive airstrikes against targets located in Ukraine.”
The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces posted on social media that,
“This is an act of aggression that has created a real threat to the safety of our citizens,”
Adding they were observing the situation.
According to a Telegram update from Ukraine’s Air Force, drones were heading west toward Poland and endangering Zamosc city.
Poland’s defence minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, said “more than ten” objects entered Polish airspace, all threats neutralised. It benefits from NATO protection against any non-member aggression.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, Poland shut four airports, including Warsaw’s Chopin.
What did Poland’s army say about intercepting hostile drones?
Poland’s military announced it has completed operations to intercept “hostile” drones in its airspace.
The army stated on social media,
“The operation of Polish and allied aircraft related to violations of Polish airspace has ended. The search and location of possible crash sites of objects that violated Polish airspace is ongoing.”
Volodymyr Zelensky’s views on drones targeting Poland
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said eight drones targeted Poland during Russia’s overnight attack, part of a larger 415-drone strike.
He posted on X,
“Today there was another step of escalation – Russian-Iranian ‘shaheds’ operated in the airspace of Poland, in NATO airspace.”
Mr Zelensky said,
“It was not just one ‘shahed’ that could be called an accident, but at least eight strike drones aimed toward Poland.”
The Ukrainian leader added,
“An extremely dangerous precedent for Europe. Whether there will be further steps depends entirely on the coordination and strength of the response. The Russians must feel the consequences. Russia must feel that the war cannot be expanded and will have to be ended.”
Mr Zelensky confirmed a civilian death in Zhytomyr, Kyiv, from shelling.
What did Andrius Kubilius say on drone threats?
Andrius Kubilius, EU defence chief, urged a “drone wall” on eastern borders after Poland downed Russian drones.
He added,
“Once again Russia tests frontier states, EU & NATO. We shall work together with Member States, frontier countries and Ukraine. Russia will be stopped.”
What did Andrii Sybiha say about Russian drones entering Poland?
Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s foreign minister, accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of probing NATO via drones in Poland.
He posted on X,
“Russian drones flying into Poland during the massive attack on Ukraine show that Putin’s sense of impunity keeps growing because he was not properly punished for his previous crimes. Putin just keeps escalating, expanding his war, and testing the West.”
Mr Sybiha added,
“This situation shows that finally the decision needs to be taken to enable partner air defense capabilities in neighbouring countries to be used to intercept drones and missiles in the Ukrainian air space, including those approaching NATO borders. Ukraine has suggested such step for a long time. It needs to be taken for the sake of collective security.”
Key details about NATO
As of March 2024, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has 32 member countries. It stands for collective defence, meaning an attack on one member is an attack on all, ensuring mutual protection.
It also safeguards security by promoting stability in the Euro-Atlantic region through political and military measures. The organisation upholds democratic values, protecting freedom, democracy, and the rule of law among its members.
Facts about the Ukraine-Russia war
The major escalation started on February 24, 2022, continuing the 2014 conflict in Ukraine. Russian casualties are around 1 million, Ukrainian forces 400,000, with over 13,883 civilian deaths verified.
The war caused a humanitarian crisis, displacing 8 million refugees and 8 million internally. Global reactions included sanctions on Russia and large-scale aid to Ukraine.