Poland Accuses Russia of Breaching Airspace Amid Massive Strikes on Ukraine

Poland has accused Russia of violating its airspace during a wide-scale overnight assault on Ukraine, calling the incident a serious act of aggression that threatens regional security. The Polish Armed Forces said that their monitoring systems detected more than ten aerial objects crossing into Polish territory from Ukraine during Russia’s coordinated drone and missile strikes on Tuesday night. Military officials confirmed that some of the drones were neutralised after being assessed as a direct threat. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the breach as a deliberate provocation and stressed that Poland had taken immediate defensive measures. He said he had spoken with NATO officials and that consultations were ongoing to ensure a collective response. “We cannot treat this as an accident. It was a violation of NATO airspace, and such actions cannot be ignored,” Tusk said. The incident coincided with one of Russia’s heaviest aerial attacks on Ukraine in recent months, involving waves of drones and cruise missiles aimed at energy facilities and civilian areas. Ukrainian air defence systems reported intercepting most of the incoming strikes, but officials confirmed that there had been casualties and damage in several regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that at least eight Russian drones had crossed into Polish territory, warning that Moscow’s tactics risk dragging neighbouring NATO states into the conflict. Following the breach, Polish authorities suspended some airport operations while search and recovery teams, including territorial defence units, combed areas for debris. Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk urged citizens to avoid contact with any fallen objects and confirmed that no casualties had been recorded in Poland. The violation has raised alarm across Europe and within NATO. Alliance officials acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, while European leaders emphasised the need to protect NATO borders and prevent further escalation. Analysts noted that Poland’s decision to engage and shoot down hostile drones marks a more assertive stance compared to earlier incidents, reflecting the growing risks of Russia’s cross-border operations. Warsaw has pledged to defend its sovereignty but stressed that any response will be coordinated with allies. “Poland will remain vigilant, act responsibly, and stand with our partners in defending NATO territory,” Tusk said. The Kremlin has yet to respond officially to the accusations, though Moscow has previously denied targeting NATO members during its military operations in Ukraine. NATO leaders are expected to review the incident in the coming days, with discussions likely to focus on whether the breach was an isolated violation or part of a broader escalation by Russia.