Poland’s prime minister warned Wednesday that the country was closer to open conflict than at any time since World War II after officials said a wave of Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace overnight and several were shot down.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament that 19 objects entered Polish airspace during the incursion and described the threat as "unprecedented." Polish military officials said allied and national air defenses engaged multiple targets and that Polish and NATO-allied aircraft — including Dutch F-35 fighter jets — took to the skies late Wednesday "to help ensure safety in Polish skies."
Polish authorities said the objects crossed the border amid a broader wave of Russian attacks in western Ukraine, and that several of the drones were shot down over Polish territory. Officials have not publicly identified all of the craft or attributed each individually, and investigations were under way to establish the full sequence of events and assess any damage.
The Polish military characterized the overnight incident as an "unprecedented" threat to national airspace. Tusk told lawmakers the episode puts Warsaw closer to open conflict than at any time since World War II, a stark assessment that underscored concerns among NATO members about spillover from fighting in Ukraine.
President Donald Trump reacted on the social media platform Truth Social, writing, "What's with Russia violating Poland's airspace with drones?" and adding, "Here we go!" The posts offered no additional detail or policy response.
Poland is a NATO member, and the presence of allied jets over Polish skies reflects NATO's air-policing and collective defense posture in the face of incidents near alliance territory. Dutch F-35s were among the aircraft reported to have taken part in the patrols, according to the Polish military. NATO officials have not issued a separate public statement detailing the incident at the time of the report.
The incursion occurred against the backdrop of sustained Russian attacks on targets in western Ukraine. Polish leaders and security officials have in recent months voiced increasing concern about the risk of incidents crossing the border, and Warsaw has sought to coordinate closely with NATO partners on air defense and humanitarian measures tied to the conflict next door.
Polish authorities said they would continue to investigate the overnight events and work with NATO partners to determine the origin and intent of the drones. The government did not immediately release information on any casualties or damage within Poland. Further updates were expected as military and diplomatic inquiries proceed.