Poland Says It Is Now The Closest To Open Conflict Since WWII After It Shot Down Several Russian Drones
Donald Tusk said that the “provocation” brings Poland closer to an open conflict, closer than ever before since World War II.”
For the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Poland shot down a large number of Russian drones that entered Polish airspace during one of Russia’s largest aerial attacks on Ukraine in months.
The move also marked the first time a NATO member downed Russian assets since Russia’s invasion.
Since 2022, there have been several incidents of Russian drones entering the airspace of states bordering Ukraine, including Poland and Romania, but they have so far avoided shooting them down.
In the early hours of Wednesday, Sept. 10, Poland intercepted and shot down multiple Russian drones that violated its airspace, saying it was an "act of aggression," according to Reuters.
The incursions triggered alerts across several regions, including Podlaskie, Mazowieckie and Lublin, and authorities instructed residents to stay indoors.
Airports in Warsaw and Lublin were temporarily closed, and in the eastern village of Wyryki, at least one drone or drone fragment struck a residential roof.
No injuries were reported, but the impact damaged the structure.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that over 19 objects entered the country's airspace and that those posing a real threat were neutralized, Reuters reported.
Speaking in the Parliament on Wednesday, Tusk said that the “provocation” brings Poland closer to an open conflict, closer than ever before since World War II.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that at least eight Russian drones specifically targeted Poland, describing the event as beyond a mere accident and called on the EU and US to impose sanctions on Russia.
NATO allies held an emergency meeting, saying they support Poland.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the violation is the most serious to date since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Russia's RIA state news agency cited a Russian diplomat saying the accusations of an incursion were "groundless," adding Poland had not given any evidence that the drones shot down were of Russian origin, according to Reuters.
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