Poland Engages in Air Defense: Russian Drones Shot Down

Sat Sep 13 2025 11:46:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant escalation of tensions, Poland's Prime Minister announces the downing of Russian drones after airspace violations, marking a critical moment for NATO and European security.

Poland shot down at least three Russian drones amid airspace violations during an overnight attack on Ukraine, prompting concerns over European security and escalating tensions with Moscow. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted the situation as potentially the closest to open conflict Poland has faced since World War Two. This incident marks the first time NATO members have intercepted Russian drones over their territory since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

At least three Russian drones were shot down by Polish and other NATO aircraft in Poland's airspace during overnight attacks on Ukraine, the Polish Prime Minister has announced.

Donald Tusk told MPs that Poland recorded 19 drone incursions, with some flying deep enough to temporarily close four airports, including Warsaw's main hub, Chopin.

He stated, This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two. This marks the first instance of Russian drones being downed over NATO territory since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Russia's defense ministry responded, stating there were no plans to target facilities within Poland, asserting that the maximum range of the drones was less than 700 km (435 miles).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the attacks as an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha suggesting that President Putin is expanding the war.

Tusk convened an emergency meeting and sought to invoke Article 4 of the NATO treaty, prompting urgent consultations among alliance members.

Following the drone incursions, Poland temporarily suspended flight operations at major airports, including Warsaw's Chopin and Modlin airports.

The Polish military was proactive in responding, tracking the drones with both Polish and NATO aircraft and deploying ground-based air defense systems.

Despite ending the military operation, Polish authorities urged citizens in the three most affected regions to remain vigilant for any unidentified objects. This ongoing aerial assault underscores the rising stakes in the conflict involving Ukraine and its allies.