Polish and NATO forces have intercepted and destroyed drones after multiple breaches of Poland’s airspace during a large-scale Russian assault on neighbouring Ukraine.
Fighter jets were scrambled in the early hours of Wednesday when more than a dozen drones crossed into Polish territory, according to the country’s armed forces. It is the first time Polish and allied NATO aircraft have been directly engaged in the conflict. Ukraine accused Moscow of deliberately testing the West’s resolve.
“During today’s attack by the Russian Federation on targets in Ukraine, our airspace was repeatedly violated by drones,” Poland’s Operational Command confirmed in a statement. “At the request of the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces, weapons have been used, and operations are under way to locate the downed targets.”
The military said both Polish and NATO aircraft had been mobilised to safeguard airspace security, while radar and ground-based defences were placed on the highest state of alert.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that an “operation is under way related to multiple violations of Polish airspace”, describing the incident as “a large-scale provocation”. He added that he was in constant contact with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz also confirmed that “aircraft have used weapons against hostile objects” and stressed that Warsaw remained in “constant contact with NATO command”.
Drone debris in Poland
The overnight operation left debris scattered across eastern Poland. Police in the Lublin region reported a damaged drone discovered in the village of Czosnowka, while fragments were also found in the town of Czesniki.
In Wyryki, a drone or similar object struck a residential property, damaging the roof but causing no injuries. Local mayor reports to state broadcaster TVP Info confirmed the building was hit, with footage showing exposed rafters.
An operation to recover wreckage was still under way on Wednesday morning.
Ukraine: ‘Russia is testing the West’
Ukrainian officials said the attacks underscored Moscow’s increasing aggression. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused President Vladimir Putin of “escalating, expanding his war, and testing the West”.
“This situation shows that finally the decision needs to be taken to enable partner air defence capabilities in neighbouring countries to be used to intercept drones and missiles in the Ukrainian airspace, including those approaching NATO borders,” he argued.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said eight Russian drones had been “aimed toward” Poland, calling the episode “an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe”.
Senior EU figures also condemned the incursions. Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius urged the creation of a “drone wall” along the bloc’s eastern frontier, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned: “Russia’s war is escalating, not ending. We must raise the cost on Moscow, strengthen support for Ukraine, and invest in Europe’s defence.”
Airports shut during alert
The airspace violations prompted Poland to shut four airports late on Tuesday evening, including Warsaw’s Chopin Airport. Rzeszów-Jasionka, Warsaw Modlin and Lublin airports were also closed “due to military activity”.
Chopin Airport later confirmed flights had resumed following the temporary suspension, with only Lublin Airport remaining closed into Wednesday morning. Travellers were advised to monitor updates from airlines and government sources.
Border tensions with Belarus
The heightened security comes as Poland prepares to close its border with Belarus at midnight on Thursday ahead of the Russian-led “Zapad-2025” military exercises, scheduled to begin on Friday in western Russia and Belarus.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said the crossing would remain shut until the government was certain “there was no more threat to Polish citizens”.
Belarus condemned the move, summoning the Polish charge d’affaires and accusing Warsaw of “an abuse of its geographical position”. Lithuania, meanwhile, announced it was reinforcing its own borders with both Belarus and Russia in response to the drills.
