NATO on edge as Poland shoots down Russian drones in airspace breach

Poland’s military on Wednesday accused Russia of an “unprecedented violation” after its airspace was breached by multiple drones, raising fears of a dangerous escalation that could drag NATO directly into the Ukraine war.

The drones, launched as part of what Kyiv described as a “massive” Russian strike on western Ukraine, were intercepted after Polish and NATO air defenses scrambled in the early hours of the morning. It marked the first time Warsaw has had to deploy military assets to neutralise threats in its skies since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was in constant contact with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other allies, underscoring the seriousness of the incident. “We will not tolerate violations of our sovereignty,” Tusk declared, warning that Poland’s security is NATO’s security.

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, called the drone incursion a deliberate attempt by Russian President Vladimir Putin to “escalate and test the West.” He urged Western partners to “urgently strengthen” Ukraine’s air defense systems and to accelerate sanctions against Moscow.

Russia has yet to comment.

The breach of Polish airspace came just hours before European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her state of the union speech in Strasbourg, where she condemned Russia’s “reckless and unprecedented” action and pledged full solidarity with Warsaw.

“Putin’s message is clear. And our response must be clear too,” she told lawmakers to a standing ovation. “We need more pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table. We need more sanctions. We are now working on the 19th package in coordination with partners.”

Von der Leyen said the EU would move to cut dependence on Russian fossil fuels faster, target Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” and clamp down on third countries helping the Kremlin evade restrictions.

Escalation risk

The incident has heightened tensions across Europe, as it underscores the risk of Russia’s war spilling over Ukraine’s borders into NATO territory. Under the alliance’s collective defense clause, an armed attack against one member can trigger a response from all.

While NATO has not yet indicated whether it will treat the drone breach as an Article 5 matter, analysts warn that further provocations could push the alliance toward direct confrontation with Moscow.

For now, Poland says calm has been restored, but officials in Warsaw insist that the alliance must be prepared. “What happened today is not just about Poland,” one defense official said. “It is about the credibility of NATO itself.”