Poland has shot down drones that crossed into its airspace during a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting what officials described as the most serious security crisis for the country since World War Two.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that Poland formally invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which calls for allied consultations when a member’s security or territorial integrity is threatened. “The fact that these drones, which posed a security threat, were shot down changes the political situation,” Tusk said, adding that Poland needs stronger allied support beyond expressions of solidarity.
Polish authorities reported at least 19 airspace intrusions overnight, with several drones entering from Belarus. The Polish Air Force, backed by NATO aircraft including Dutch F-35s and Italian surveillance planes, shot down a number of the drones. NATO said it was the first time allied aircraft had engaged potential threats over member territory.
In Brussels, NATO’s top military commander General Alexus Grynkewich said the alliance responded “quickly and decisively,” demonstrating its ability to defend member states. As reported in Reuters, A NATO spokesperson confirmed the alliance remains in close contact with Poland and other allies.
European leaders reacted sharply. French President Emmanuel Macron called the airspace violation “simply unacceptable,” while Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala warned that Russia was “testing NATO countries’ defence capabilities.” Lithuanian officials noted that even if unintentional, Russia bears responsibility for avoiding drone incursions into allied territory.
The night-time Russian drone attack, which also struck Polish territory, is a test of the defence capabilities of NATO countries. It is hard to believe that this was a mere coincidence. Putin’s regime threatens all of Europe and systematically probes how far it can go. It is…
— Petr Fiala (@P_Fiala) September 10, 2025
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen denounced the incursion as a “reckless and unprecedented violation of Poland and Europe’s airspace.” She pledged full solidarity with Warsaw, adding that “this is Russia’s war, and it is Russia that should pay.” Von der Leyen also urged urgent action to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s defence.
Meanwhile Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the escalation of the Russian war, and the role of the EU.
Russia’s war is escalating, not ending.
We must raise the cost on Moscow, strengthen support for Ukraine, and invest in Europe’s defence.
The EU plays a major role and we will support initiatives like the Eastern Border Shield defence line. (2/2)
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) September 10, 2025
NATO, however, is not treating the incident as a direct Russian attack, though officials acknowledged that initial evidence pointed to an intentional violation involving more than 10 drones.
As Warsaw reopens its main Chopin airport after temporary closures, Poland’s National Security Council is set to meet within 48 hours, while allied consultations under Article 4 are expected to shape the next steps in NATO’s response.
