Poland took down drones that breached its airspace on Wednesday, marking the first instance of a NATO member firing shots since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Prime Minister Donald Tusk informed parliament about 19 airspace violations overnight, prompting the activation of Article 4 of NATO’s treaty for consultations among alliance members. Tusk highlighted the incursions occurring between 11:30 p.m. Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, emphasizing the heightened risk and the unprecedented nature of the situation.
Acknowledging the confirmed downing of three drones with a possible fourth, Tusk mentioned the support received from NATO Air Command and The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force, deploying F-35 fighter jets. The Polish armed forces initiated a search for potential crash sites, cautioning against interacting with any discovered objects due to potential hazards. Interior Ministry spokesperson Karolina Galecka disclosed the discovery of seven drones and parts of a missile post the drone intrusion.
Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty, while in Edmonton, refrained from disclosing specific details about Canada’s involvement in the incident response. McGuinty expressed skepticism regarding Russia’s actions, citing President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance towards ceasefire talks. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand condemned the airspace violation, reiterating Canada’s solidarity with Poland and Ukraine.
NATO confirmed its first engagement with potential threats in Allied airspace, emphasizing the recklessness and danger posed by the incursion. European officials viewed the event as an intentional escalation by Russia, advocating for increased pressure, support for Ukraine, and additional sanctions on Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the use of drones and missiles by Russia in attacks, stressing the need for a united response from all partners.
Russia’s Defence Ministry denied targeting Poland, asserting successful completion of its objectives in western Ukraine. Despite proposing consultations with Poland, Russia’s charge d’affaires dismissed the accusations as baseless. U.S. lawmakers condemned the attack, with calls for decisive action against Russian aggression. While President Trump has warned of consequences, the White House has yet to impose further sanctions on Russia, sparking concerns amidst escalating tensions.