Image Courtesy: Reuters
Poland has crossed a historic line in the ongoing war in Ukraine, becoming the first NATO member to fire on drones linked to Russia. During a large-scale overnight barrage, Polish air defenses confirmed the downing of multiple drone-type objects after they violated national airspace. According to Reuters, at least 19 drones entered Poland’s skies, forcing immediate military action.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters it was “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two”. He activated Article 4 of the NATO treaty, triggering urgent consultations among alliance members. That article, which has only been invoked a handful of times, allows nations to request emergency discussions when they believe their security is under threat.
In this image made from video, Police and Military Police secure parts of a damaged object shot down by Polish authorities at a site in Wohyn, Poland, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafal Niedzielski)
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy added fuel to the concerns by saying at least eight of the drones had been intentionally aimed at Poland, suggesting that Russia was testing NATO’s response. Many of the drones were believed to be Shahed models, which have been supplied to Russia by Iran and used extensively across Ukraine.
The incursion prompted not only Polish fighters to scramble but also allied support from Dutch F-35 jets and Italian surveillance aircraft. NATO made clear this was treated as a deliberate violation of alliance airspace, though not a full-scale attack, giving leaders some breathing room to calibrate their response. Still, the move signals that the conflict is edging closer to a dangerous NATO-Russia confrontation.
Local reports said debris was recovered in several provinces, with one drone striking a home in eastern Poland and causing structural damage. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors until the skies were cleared, while military units combed the countryside for wreckage.
European leaders condemned the violation, with calls for tougher sanctions against Moscow. Analysts warn that the incident could mark the start of more frequent provocations along NATO’s eastern border. The alliance, already reinforcing its air defenses in the region, may be forced to consider permanent deployments of additional fighter squadrons and missile systems.
Poland’s decisive action underscores how the Ukraine war is no longer confined within Ukraine’s borders. For NATO, it’s might be wake-up call that collective defense isn’t just theory – it’s being tested in real time.
