A significant NATO Russia airspace violation occurred early Wednesday when numerous Russian drones crossed into Poland, prompting a defensive response and an urgent meeting of the North Atlantic Council.
Poland Activates Air Defenses
Polish air defenses were activated after a “huge number of Russian drones,” as described by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, entered the country’s airspace. The first drone crossing from Ukraine was recorded at approximately 12:50 a.m.
Kyiv time, with reports suggesting as many as two dozen may have entered Poland.
Other NATO nations, including Dutch F-35 fighter jets stationed in Poland, joined the defense effort. According to NATO spokesman Col.
Martin O’Donnell, “This is the first time NATO planes have engaged potential threats in allied airspace.”
NATO Russia Airspace Violation Triggers Response
In response to the incursion, Poland invoked NATO Article IV, requesting consultations with allies. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed the defensive actions, stating, “Our air defenses were activated and successfully assured the defense of NATO territory, as they are designed to do.”
The North Atlantic Council’s 32 national envoys met Wednesday morning to address the incident. “Allies expressed solidarity with Poland and denounced Russia’s reckless behavior,” Rutte said in a statement.
European Security Threat Denounced by Allies
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof called the incident unacceptable. “It is further proof that the Russian war of aggression poses a threat to European security,” he stated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the drones used Belarusian airspace to enter Poland. “At least several dozen Russian drones were moving along the border of Ukraine and Belarus,” he said, adding they were approaching targets in both Ukraine and Poland.
Allies Pledge Increased Support for Ukraine
Following the consultations, NATO allies are “determined to step up their support for Ukraine,” according to the Mark Rutte NATO statement. The drones that crossed into Poland were reportedly intended for targets inside Ukraine, where a war with Russia has been ongoing for over three years.
President Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to expand cooperation for better security. “Russia must feel that Europeans know how to defend themselves,” he concluded.
