Russia has addressed recent reports that several of its drones crossed into Polish airspace, marking a significant escalation in tensions.
This morning, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that NATO soldiers, along with Polish forces, were deployed to intercept a number of drones that had entered the country’s airspace overnight. The drones were later identified as Russian, BBC reports.
The event is notable as it is the closest direct confrontation between NATO forces and Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Tusk condemned the move, calling it a major provocation.
“This is the closest we have come to open conflict since World War II,” he said, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
In response, Russia’s Ministry of Defence issued a statement denying any intention to attack Polish territory. “The strike objectives have been achieved. All designated targets were hit,” a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry said.
The ministry also clarified that the maximum flight range of the drones involved in the alleged strike does not exceed 700 kilometers, suggesting that Poland’s airspace may have been entered unintentionally.
The ministry further stated, “No targets on the territory of Poland were planned for striking,” and added that Russia is open to discussions with Poland over the incident: “We are ready to hold consultations with the Ministry of Defence of Poland on this matter.”
The number of drones that crossed into Polish airspace is still unclear, with Prime Minister Tusk estimating 19 drones, while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested the number was around 24. Polish authorities have recovered the wreckage of at least seven drones, with an additional unidentified object also found.
Earlier in the day, Russian diplomats had rejected the allegations, calling them “groundless.” Belarus, which shares borders with both Poland and Russia, also commented on the situation, confirming that its military had shot down several drones that had “lost their track,” though it did not confirm whether they were of Ukrainian or Russian origin.
The drone violation occurred during a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine. Several countries, including the UK, have condemned the incursion. UK Defence Minister John Healey labeled the move “reckless,” “dangerous,” and “unprecedented,” further stating that the UK armed forces would consider strengthening NATO’s air defenses in Poland in response to the incident.
This escalation is part of ongoing tensions between Russia, NATO, and Ukraine, as the international community watches closely to assess the implications for regional and global security.