Poland Intercepts Russian ‘Shahed’ Drones as NATO Aircraft Respond

Poland’s airspace was breached by multiple Russian Shahed drones, escalating regional tensions. This incident marked NATO’s first direct military engagement with Russian forces since the Ukrainian conflict began. Between 11:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., 19 to 23 drones penetrated Polish airspace, some moving deep into the country. Polish F-16s, alongside Dutch F-35s and Italian AWACS, intercepted and shot down the drones, with Dutch forces primarily responsible for most of the downed aircraft. NATO support included German Patriot missile systems and Belgian refueling aircraft.

The incursion led to the closure of several airports, including Warsaw’s Chopin Airport, as a precautionary measure. The Polish government invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which calls for consultations among NATO allies. Prime Minister Donald Tusk labeled the event a “large-scale provocation,” urging a coordinated response from NATO.

European leaders condemned the violation, interpreting it as a deliberate escalation by Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that “Russia’s war is escalating, not ending,” advocating for enhanced support for Ukraine and investment in European defense. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that such incidents could create dangerous precedents for Europe.

In reaction, NATO convened an emergency meeting to evaluate the situation and bolster its eastern defenses. The swift response underscored NATO’s commitment to protecting member nations and deterring further aggression. This incident raised alarms about the security of NATO’s eastern flank and the risk of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine expanding into neighboring territories, marking a critical moment in the evolving geopolitical landscape.