Tensions Rise as Poland Accuses Russia of Drone Incursion During Ukraine Strikes

Polish officials have condemned the entry of 19 explosive-laden drones into Polish airspace during a wave of Russian strikes on western Ukraine, calling it the most serious threat to European security since World War II.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the breach as “deliberate,” warning it may warrant invoking Article 4 of NATO’s founding treaty, which allows members to request consultations if their territorial integrity or security is threatened.

“This is a critical moment,” Tusk said in a press briefing on Wednesday. “We are not facing random fallout. This looks deliberate.”

Poland’s Interior Ministry confirmed that debris from at least 12 drones had been recovered in southeastern regions. An investigation is ongoing to verify their flight paths and points of origin.

The incident occurred amid a broader Russian air assault on Ukrainian infrastructure near the Polish border. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed there is growing evidence that the drones were intentionally directed toward Poland to destabilize the region.

The Russian Defense Ministry denied any breach of Polish airspace, stating that its operations were confined to Ukrainian territory. The Kremlin accused both NATO and the EU of spreading “baseless allegations,” adding that no formal diplomatic protest had been received from Warsaw.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Tusk held emergency calls with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and several European leaders. Allies expressed solidarity and discussed strengthening Polish air defenses.

The United States reaffirmed its commitment to NATO’s collective defense clause under Article 5, though comments from U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, who made no mention of NATO obligations, have sparked concern among European partners.

The United Nations issued a warning over the potential for regional escalation, urging all sides to avoid further provocation.