NATO is reinforcing its defences along its eastern borders after Polish forces shot down several Russian drones that crossed into Poland’s airspace during the night. The drones, which entered from Ukraine as Russia carried out strikes against infrastructure targets, were intercepted by Polish air defence units using both fighter jets and ground-based systems. Officials confirmed that debris was recovered in rural areas, but no casualties or damage were reported. An investigation is under way to establish whether the incursion was deliberate or the result of drones straying off course.
The incident prompted a swift response from NATO. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the breach of allied airspace as reckless and dangerous, announcing that the alliance would increase surveillance flights, missile defence deployments, and rapid-response readiness in Poland and neighbouring member states. He reiterated NATO’s long-standing commitment to defend “every inch” of allied territory, warning that Russia’s actions were escalating tensions along the eastern flank.
Poland has already experienced the risks of conflict spilling over from Ukraine. In 2022, a missile strike in a border village killed two people, initially sparking fears of direct Russian aggression before investigations suggested Ukrainian air defence was responsible. The latest incident has renewed concerns about the potential for miscalculation, particularly as Russia intensifies its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine while Kyiv calls for more Western support.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged calm but described the breach as a serious threat to national security. He pledged to work closely with NATO partners to ensure both the safety of Polish citizens and the strength of the alliance’s collective defence. Analysts have warned that Russia’s growing reliance on drones near NATO territory raises the risk of unintended escalation, making coordination and vigilance among member states more crucial than ever.
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