President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken out following Russian drones being shot down by NATO forces over Poland.
The alarming incident, which occurred overnight, has set off a chain of diplomatic and military responses, heightening fears of a broader conflict within Europe.
Russian Drones Breach Polish Airspace
The violation began when at least eight Russian drones, including Iranian-made Shahed drones, were launched toward Poland.
These drones, which are often used by Russian forces, crossed into NATO airspace, prompting immediate military action, as reported by Sky News.
Polish air defenses were quickly activated, and planes from both Poland and NATO allies scrambled to shoot down the incoming drones.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that 19 drone incursions had been recorded, with some drones reportedly flying into Poland via Belarus, a close ally of Russia.
While Belarusian officials claimed the drones had “lost their way” due to jammed navigation systems, the situation remains tense, with many viewing it as an act of aggression.
Tusk noted that this marks the first time NATO forces have engaged directly with Russian military material since the invasion of Ukraine began.
Zelenskyy's Urgent Warning to Europe in Full
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly weighed in on the incident, emphasizing the grave implications for Europe. He called it an "extremely dangerous precedent" and warned that such incursions into NATO territory could escalate further if left unchecked.
"Rescuers are now working in Volochysk, Khmelnytskyi region, where the Russians struck an ordinary sewing workshop with a missile," Zelenskyy said in a post on X.
"As of now, three people are reported injured. This is just one of the sites of today’s massive Russian attack: about 415 drones of various types and more than 40 cruise and ballistic missiles.
"Fifteen of our regions were under attack. Sadly, one person was killed as a result of shelling in the Zhytomyr region. My condolences to the family and loved ones."
Zelenskyy then hit out at Russia: "Moscow always pushes the boundaries of what is possible, and if it does not encounter a strong reaction, it remains at the new level of escalation.
"Today there was another step of escalation – Russian-Iranian 'shaheds' operated in the airspace of Poland, in NATO airspace. It was not just one 'shahed' that could be called an accident, but at least eight strike drones aimed toward Poland.
"An extremely dangerous precedent for Europe. Whether there will be further steps depends entirely on the coordination and strength of the response. The Russians must feel the consequences. Russia must feel that the war cannot be expanded and will have to be ended."
He concluded: "The pause in sanctions has gone on far too long. Delaying restrictions on Russia and its accomplices only means increasing the brutality of the strikes. Sufficient weapons are needed to deter Russia. A strong response is needed – and it can only be a joint response by all partners: Ukraine, Poland, all Europeans, the United States. I thank everyone who is helping."
US Politicians React
The violation of Polish airspace has not gone unnoticed in the United States, with US politicians strongly condemning the attack, per The Hill.
Representative Joe Wilson, a member of the Republican Party, issued a forceful statement, calling the drone incursion an "act of war."
He stated: "Russia is attacking NATO ally Poland with Iranian Shahed drones less than a week after President Trump hosted President Nawrocki at the White House."
Wilson demanded that mandatory sanctions be imposed to "bankrupt the Russian war machine" and urged stronger support for Ukraine, including providing weapons capable of striking Russian targets.
Wilson also accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of testing NATO’s resolve and moving beyond his previous attacks on civilians. "Putin is testing our resolve in NATO territory," Wilson declared, criticizing the ongoing violence against innocent people.