Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has reported that at least three Russian drones were shot down by Polish and NATO forces during overnight attacks on Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the region. Tusk stated that Poland had recorded 19 drone incursions, leading to temporary closures of four airports, including Warsaw’s Chopin Airport. This incident represents the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 that drones have been downed over a NATO member’s territory.
In response to the incursions, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that there were “no plans” to target Polish territory and suggested that any drones crossing into Poland were due to navigational issues. The ministry also stated that the drones in question had a maximum range of 700 km (435 miles). However, the Russian temporary envoy in Poland noted that evidence of the drones’ origin had not been provided.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the drone attacks as an “extremely dangerous precedent for Europe.” Polish authorities have indicated that their military operation concluded without any reported injuries or fatalities. Tusk convened an emergency meeting, asking to invoke Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which could initiate urgent discussions among member states regarding a potential collective response.
While the Polish defence ministry stated that preemptive measures were taken to counter the drones, including deploying air defense systems and fighter aircraft, Polish officials advised civilians to remain vigilant and report any unidentified objects. The military emphasized the importance of safety and cautioned against approaching any debris.
Tusk and President Karol Nawrocki are maintaining communication with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who acknowledged the situation and condemned “reckless behavior” from Russia. Poland’s military also thanked NATO allies for their support during this incident.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c147065pzdzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss