Polish and NATO forces have shot down drones violating the country’s airspace during a Russian aerial attack on neighbouring Ukraine.
According to the Polish military, fighter jets were scrambled early on today, Wednesday, September 10, 2025, as more than a dozen drones entered Polish airspace.
It is the first time that Polish and NATO forces have become engaged in the conflict.
The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said in a statement early today, “During today’s attack by the Russian Federation on targets in Ukraine, our airspace was repeatedly violated by drones.”
The military disclosed that at the request of the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces, “weapons have been used, and operations are under way to locate the downed targets.”
The army said that Polish and NATO military aircraft had been mobilised to ensure airspace safety. “Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest state of readiness,” the operational command said.
Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk confirmed that an “operation is under way related to multiple violations of Polish airspace.”
Tusk confirmed that the drones originated from Russia. “We are dealing with a large-scale provocation,” the Polish Prime Minister said.
“Last night the Polish airspace was violated by a huge number of Russian drones. Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down. I am in constant communication with the Secretary-General of NATO and our allies.”
Donald Tusk
A Show Of Russia’s Impunity And War Expansion
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha said that the events show Russian President Vladimir Putin’s impunity and his expansion of the war, and that Moscow is testing the West’s willingness to respond to aggression. “Putin just keeps escalating, expanding his war, and testing the West,” Sybiha said on X.
“This situation shows that finally the decision needs to be taken to enable partner air defence capabilities in neighbouring countries to be used to intercept drones and missiles in the Ukrainian airspace, including those approaching NATO borders.”
Android Sybiha
Also, Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the episode “an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe.”
“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.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He noted that whether there will be further steps depends entirely on the coordination and strength of the response, saying, “The Russians must feel the consequences.” He added that Russia must feel that the war cannot be expanded and will have to be ended.
Additionally, he stated that 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,” Zelenskyy said.
“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.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The European Union’s Defence Commissioner, Andrius Kubilius called for the EU to develop a “drone wall” along its eastern flank. “Once again Russia tests frontier states, EU & NATO,” Kubilius wrote in a post on social media.
He added that the bloc will work together with Member States, frontier countries and Ukraine, adding, “Russia will be stopped.”
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