Poland’s armed forces shot down several drones that violated the country’s airspace early Monday, officials said, taking defensive action as Russian forces launched strikes on neighboring Ukraine.
Poland’s Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk wrote on X that an operation to “neutralize objects that have violated and exceeded the border of the Republic of Poland is underway.” The Operational Command of the Armed Forces said the incursion was linked to an attack by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian territory and described the airspace violations as an act of aggression that posed a risk to Polish citizens.
“The Territorial Defense Forces have been activated for ground searches of downed drones,” Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote on X, urging calm and asking the public to rely only on official announcements from the military and state services. He warned people not to approach any fragments found and to inform police if they encounter debris.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was in constant contact with the president and the defense minister and had received a direct report from the operational commander, according to a statement. The Operational Command said it had activated defensive procedures and, together with Polish Armed Forces units, made decisions “to neutralize those that could pose a threat.”
“Some of the drones that entered our airspace were shot down. Efforts are underway to search for and locate the possible crash sites of these objects,” the command wrote, adding that Polish and allied forces and assets remain fully prepared for further actions.
Kosiniak-Kamysz also said the Polish military was in constant contact with NATO command. Officials did not immediately provide a tally of the number of drones involved or details on where any debris fell. Local authorities were conducting ground searches in areas identified by the military.
The incident comes amid continued hostilities between Russia and Ukraine that have periodically produced cross-border incidents and raised concerns among NATO members about escalation. The Operational Command framed the airspace violations as directly tied to the attack on Ukrainian territory and emphasized Poland’s readiness and coordination with allies.
Polish authorities said state leaders were notified and that investigations and searches would continue. Officials urged residents to follow instructions from security services and to report any findings to police as military and emergency personnel secure potential crash sites and assess any threat to public safety.