This live blog is now closed. For the latest updates on Russian drones flying into Polish airspace, you can read our full report:
Drones in Poland are another unsettling post-Alaska escalation by Russia.
The Guardian’s Dan Sabbagh has this analysis:
Whatever Donald Trump discussed with Vladimir Putin in Alaska last month, the outcome has only been a stepped increase in Russian aggression that has now forced Nato’s military into action. On Tuesday night 19 Russian drones entered the country’s airspace, according to the prime minister, Donald Tusk – a number that cannot be easily explained away as accidental.
Until that point, Russia’s war in Ukraine had not spilled over in a notable way to a Nato country. Though the drone incursion cannot be described as militarily significant (only one house has been reported damaged so far) the Polish incident is qualitatively different from anything that has happened since February 2022.
A month ago a single Russian drone exploded in eastern Poland, which was at the time notable. Two days ago, Estonia complained that a Russian Mi-8 attack helicopter had violated its airspace in the Baltic Sea for the third time this year. This time the drones forced a closure of four airports overnight, some flying via Belarus.
There is a fit with other post-Alaska Russian attacks in Ukraine, however. Last month, Russia returned to its campaign of bombing Ukrainian cities, killing at least 18 people in Kyiv in late August. On Sunday, the Kremlin went one further. For the first time, a key Ukrainian government building, the cabinet building, was struck as part of a massive nationwide assault of more than 800 drones that stayed inside Ukraine.
For the full analysis, click here:
Here is a Guardian visual on the locations in Poland affected by Russia’s drones last night:
The UN has warned of a “real risk” of the war in Ukraine spilling over throughout the rest of the region.
Speaking on Wednesday, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said: “The incident... again underlines the regional impact and real risk of expansion of this devastating conflict.”
Dujarric’s comments came as Russian drones flew into Polish airspace, in turn prompting outrage across European countries as Nato allies weigh a response to the incursion.
Zelenskyy: 'We need to work on a joint air defense system...over Europe'
European countries need to work on a “joint air defense system and create an effective air shield over Europe,” Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday.
Posting on X, Zelenskyy called Russia’s deployment of drones an act of “brazen behavior” that requires “appropriate response.”
He added:
“We need to work on a joint air defense system and create an effective air shield over Europe. Ukraine has long proposed this, and we have concrete solutions. We must respond together to all current challenges and be ready for potential threats to all Europeans in the future. Likewise, we need to significantly increase joint funding for the production of interceptor drones. They have already proven their effectiveness.”
We are still waiting for that phone call between Poland’s president Karol Nawrocki and US president Donald Trump, after his rather cryptic post earlier (17:21).
In the meantime, that’s all from me, Jakub Krupa, but Maya Yang will guide you through the evening.
Poland got 'proposals for concrete support for air defence,' Tusk says after calls with leaders
Poland's response to Russian drone incursions - in pictures
Russian drones ‘did not veer off course’ but deliberately targeted Poland, foreign minister Sikorski says
Poland’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Radosław Sikorski said that Russian drones last night “did not veer off course” but deliberately targeted Poland, as he called out “lies and denials” from Russia.
In a three-minute English-language clip published on social media, Sikorski thanked the Netherlands, Italy and Germany for their assistance when responding to the incursions.
“Property was damaged, but, fortunately, nobody was injured,” he said, noting that “even though Nato is not at war, Russian aggression strikes beyond Ukraine.”
He said he was “aware that Russia claims there is no evidence these were Russian drones, even suggesting a Ukrainian provocation,” but said that “lies and denials” were “default Soviet responses.”
“ The Kremlin is again mocking President Trump’s peace efforts,” he added.
“Poland, the EU and Nato will not be intimidated, and we will continue stand by the brave people of Ukraine. It’s time for the leadership of Russia to understand that the attempt to rebuild Europe’s last empire is doomed to fail,” he said.
Updated
Poland's Tusk to speak with Merz, Schoof shortly, spokesperson says
After his earlier call with a group of European leaders (16:26), Poland’s prime minister Donald Tusk is expected to speak with German chancellor Friedrich Merz and Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof shortly, his spokesperson said.
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says he spoke with EU’s von der Leyen about drones, sanctions
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss the key themes from her speech on “the state of the union,” delivered in the European parliament this morning.
He said:
“I spoke with President of the European Commission @vonderleyen.
I thanked her for the strong State of the Union Address and the clear message regarding €6bn for drone production in Ukraine. We must find even more ways to use frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine.
Ursula informed me about the joint work with American partners on strengthening sanctions against Russia. We also discussed support for Ukrainian children. Ursula confirmed that the EU will help finance free meals for schoolchildren. We coordinated further steps for the return of abducted children.
We agreed to stay in contact.”
Polish couple's house hit by drone as they watched TV news about drones
Pensioner Tomasz Wesołowski had a lucky escape on Wednesday when a drone crashed into his house as he was watching news on television about Russian drones flying into Polish airspace, Reuters reported.
Wesołowski was downstairs when the drone struck the upper part of his home at 6:30am, destroying the roof, damaging a bedroom and scattering debris across the garden.
“I turned on the TV, and all the news was about this massive drone flight, and after a while, I heard a plane flying over... and suddenly something boomed, the light fell from the ceiling in the downstairs living room,” he told Reuters in the eastern Polish village of Wyryki-Wola.
'Here we go!,' Trump says in response to Russia's incursion into Polish airspace
US president Donald Trump has posted his first reaction to the Russian incursion into Polish airspace last night, saying on Truth Social:
What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!
(Don’t make me guess what it means though, please.)
Updated
‘Get off the fence and condemn Russian aggression,’ Poland’s foreign minister tells Hungarian PM Orbán
Poland’s foreign minister Radosław Sikorski has publicly clashed with Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orbán, telling him on X to “get off the fence and condemn Russian aggression” on Ukraine and Poland.
In an earlier post Orbán declared Hungary’s solidarity with Poland, declaring the incursion “unacceptable,” but he added that the incident reaffirmed his view that “our policy of calling for peace … is reasonable and rational.”
“ Living in the shadow of a war is fraught with risks and dangers. It’s time to make it stop! To this end, we support the efforts of President @realDonaldTrump aimed at achieving peace,” he said.
Responding to his post, Sikorski said:
“No, Victor [sic!]. The incident proves you should get off the fence and condemn Russian aggression.
We ask you to unblock the disbursement of EU funds for defence, approve tougher sanctions on the aggressor and withdraw your veto on starting Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations.”
Nato allies responding to Russian drone incursion seriously – snap analysis
Defence and security editor
UK’s John Healey may have presided over an unexpectedly slimmed down meeting of E5 defence ministers in Woolwich today, with Poland’s Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz forced to fly back to Warsaw overnight and France’s Sébastien Lecornu promoted to prime minister.
But Healey demonstrated that Nato allies are responding to the Russian drone incursion seriously with the promise that UK was looking at “options to bolster Polish air defences”.
Though he wouldn’t quite say that Russia had deliberately targeted Poland, the criticism was strong: “They were dangerous, they were reckless, they breached sovereign Polish and Nato airspace”.
Last night’s response, involving Dutch F-35s scrambling to help their Polish counterparts, demonstrated Nato’s effectiveness but it must be a concern to western planners that only 3 or 4 out of 20 drones (even if they were not armed) were shot down – a low proportion compared to what Ukraine typically achieves.
Poland's Tusk to speak with European leaders 'shortly,' spokesperson says
Polish prime minister Donald Tusk will shortly speak with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French president Emmanuel Macron, NATO secretary general Mark Rutte, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni and UK prime minister Keir Starmer, his spokesperson has just said.
Putin 'demonstrating his total disregard for path of peace,' Canada's Carney says
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney is the latest national leader to respond to the overnight incursion of Russian drones into Poland.
In a post on X, he said:
“Russia’s incursion into Polish airspace last night was reckless and escalatory.
Canada stands with Poland and our Nato Allies. We are closely coordinating with them, and we will remain vigilant against Russia’s attempts to widen and prolong the conflict with Ukraine.
Putin is demonstrating once again his total disregard for the path of peace. Russia’s actions – following a week of brutal attacks on Ukrainian civilians – underscore the importance of our steadfast support for Ukraine. To bring lasting peace to Ukraine and Europe, we must increase the pressure on Putin to end this war.”
US president Trump to speak with Poland's Nawrocki later today
Meanwhile, we are getting a line from Washington DC that US president Donald Trump intends to speak with Poland’s president and his political ally, Karol Nawrocki, later today, a White House official told Reuters.
Updated
Poland's Sikorski warns against drones as 'threat to all of EU, Nato' as he rejects 'technical malfunction' theory for drone incursion
Poland’s foreign minister Radosław Sikorski is now speaking in Warsaw, talking about the “unprecedented” attack “not only on the territory of Poland, but also on Nato and the EU.”
Sikorski says the Russian charge d’affaires has been called into the Polish ministry of foreign affairs this morning to get a protest note, but he refused to acknowledge the drones were Russian.
He then says:
“As you know, Russian drones have veered into Polish airspace before, and not only drones, also cruise missiles. One of them, during this war, landed 10 kilometres from my house. When one or two drones does it, it is possible that it was a technical malfunction, but as I told you, in this case, there were 19 breaches, and it simply defies imagination that could be accidental.”
He confirms that Poland has invoked Article 4 of Nato to call a discussion on the threat its faced.
He then explains:
“We have invoked Article Four.
Take a look at precedents, at what happened when other Allies did that, when Turkey did it, when she felt endangered by events in the air during the Syrian civil war, additional Patriot missiles were sent to Turkey.
We need to create what Ursula von Leyen called today in the European Parliament at her annual State of the Union address: a drone wall.
This is a threat, not only to Poland.
This new technology of the mass use of drones is a threat to all of the EU and Nato, and we need to face it together.”
Updated
UK 'will do what we can as part of Nato' to help Poland, UK defence minister Healey says
UK minister Healey gets also asked what specifically will the UK do to support Poland’s air defence.
His answer is pretty non-commital, but makes a reference to the UK armed force’s previous experience of serving in central and eastern Europe.
He says:
“I have asked the UK armed forces to look at options about how we can bolster that Nato air defence over Poland. We, too, are part of a regular air policing mission. Up until six weeks ago, we had six typhoon jets, part of the British component to that Nato air policing mission over Poland, an extra 200 personnel.
We have 300 UK personnel in Poland at the moment, reinforcing Nato’s deterrence as well as the Polish deterrence and defence as well, and we will do what we can as part of Nato, as part of a collective response that Poland has asked for from us, its Nato allies.”
Updated
Poland's response to overnight Russian drone incursion - in pictures
You can watch the E5 press conference below.
Some ministers speak in their national languages, so you can also just rely on the fact that I will bring you the key lines here.
Putin ‘hits new level of hostility against Europe’, UK defence minister says, asks UK armed forces to look at bolstering Nato's air defence over Poland
UK defence secretary John Healey is now speaking after the E5 meeting of France, Germany, the UK, Italy and Poland in London, responding to the overnight Russian drone incursion in Polish air space.
He says:
“We face a new era of threat. War in Europe, rising Russian aggression, and last night, Putin hit a new level of hostility against Europe.
We saw across Nato’s eastern border a serious violation of Polish airspace, deep enough for Warsaw airport to be closed, and Nato jets shooting down Russian drones in what is the first defensive action of its kind since Putin launched his full scale attack on Ukraine.
And just at the same period as Russia’s attacks on Ukraine intensify, as prime minister Starmer said this morning, these moves, he said, only serve to remind us of President Putin’s blatant disregard for peace.
So together, we, the E5 totally condemn these attacks. Russian actions are reckless. They are dangerous. They are unprecedented.
We see what Putin is doing yet again. He is testing us yet again.”
He noted the Polish defence minister “rightly returned home” overnight to be in Warsaw to coordinate next steps, as he paid tribute “to the Polish and Nato personnel involved in such a rapid and effective defensive.”
Addressing the Polish people, he says “as your Nato ally, we will support you; our Polish friends, as your Nato ally, we will play our part to help secure the safety of your people.”
He says he has asked the UK armed forces “to look at options to bolster Nato’s air defence over Poland.”
“Today, as a five nations, we say to President Putin: your aggression only serves to strengthen the unity between our Nato nations; your aggression only serves to strengthen our determination to stand with Ukraine,” he says.
Defence minister from Italy and junior ministers from Italy, France also offered their solidarity with Poland.
Updated
Poland shoots down Russian drones over its airspace – video
US 'will defend every inch of Nato territory,' Nato ambassador says
The US ambassador to Nato has responded to the overnight drone incursion into Poland, reiterating the US backing for Warsaw.
In a post on X, Matthew Whitaker said:
“We stand by our Nato Allies in the face of these airspace violations and will defend every inch of Nato territory.”
Russia says it had 'no intention' to engage with Polish targets overnight
The Russian army on Wednesday said it did not target Polish sites in an overnight drone attack on Ukraine, after the Nato member said it had downed several Russian drones that breached its airspace, AFP reported.
“There were no intentions to engage any targets on the territory of Poland,” Russia’s defence ministry said in a statement in English, without confirming or denying that its drones had entered Polish airspace.
“We are ready to hold consultations on this subject with the Polish defence ministry,” it added.
Russian drones 'clearly set on course' to reach Poland, German defence minister says
Russian drones that violated Polish airspace were “clearly set on this course” and “did not have to fly this route to reach Ukraine”, German defence minister Boris Pistorius said, AFP reported.
“There is absolutely no reason to believe that this was a course correction error or anything of the sort,” Pistorius told the German parliament.
Separately, a German government spokesman said that the drone incursion in Poland is very serious and shows how much Russia is testing European resolve.
Poland's response to overnight drone incursion - in pictures
Starmer calls out 'unprecedented' Russian attack, declares support for Poland
Mentioning the overnight drone incursion in the House of Commons, UK prime minister Keir Starmer said:
“Russia launched drones into Poland in an unprecedented attack.
I’ve been in touch with the Polish prime minister this morning to make clear our support for Poland.
We will stand firm in our support for Ukraine. With our partners and through our leadership of the coalition willing, we will continue to ramp up the pressure on Putin until there’s a just and lasting peace.”
Kremlin declines to comment, refers questions to Russia's defence ministry
Meanwhile over in Russia, the Kremlin on Wednesday declined to comment on the overnight developments, saying this was a matter for the country’s defence ministry.
'Full assessment ongoing,' Nato's Rutte says as he responds to 'reckless' incident with Russian drones in Poland
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte is now offering his reaction to the overnight incident in Poland.
He says that “the full assessment is on-going,” but stresses that “whether it was intentionally or not, it is absolutely, reckless, it is absolutely dangerous.”
“To Putin, my message is clear: stop the war in Ukraine, stop escalating the war, which he is now basically mounting on innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure, and stop violating allied airspace. Know that we stand ready, that we are vigilant, and that we will defend every inch of Nato territory.”
He says the considers last night’s response “very successful.”
“We always have to make sure that we are one step ahead, but I think [that] last night showed that we are able to defend every inch of Nato territory, including, of course its airspace.”
And that ends his brief statement.
Russia 'trying to test where Nato's red lines are,' Chatham House expert says
Dr Marion Messmer, senior research fellow at Chatham House, said that Poland’s successful intercept missions “showed a quick reaction to the threat and demonstrated cooperation among allies.”
But she added:
“The number of drones that ended up in Polish airspace … makes it unlikely that this was an accident, though Belarus claims that the drones navigation systems malfunctioned which caused them to drift off course. …
For now, Nato does not treat this airspace violation as a deliberate attack – but taken together with other recent grey zone activities, it suggests that Russia is trying to test where Nato’s red lines are.”
'Two dozen' of drones may have entered Poland, Ukraine's Zelenskyy says
Meanwhile, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that updated Ukrainian data suggest “around two dozen of Russian drones may have entered Polish airspace during the night.”
“We are verifying this,” he said.
He added:
“Ukraine is ready to expand our cooperation with partners for reliable protection of the sky. So that we have not only information and intelligence data sharing, but also real joint actions that guarantee security of the neighbors.
Russia must feel that Europeans know how to defend themselves.”
Speaking at the same briefing, the spokesperson for the Armed Forces Operational Command, Jacek Goryszewski, stated that several of the drones observed overnight appeared to resemble “Gerbera” decoy drones, although this was still being verified.
He also noted that the missile debris is currently classified as being of “unknown origin,” and may turn out to be a defensive missile.
Seven drones, 'remains of missile' found so far, interior ministry spokesperson says
Karolina Gałecka, spokesperson for the Polish interior minister, told reporters that Polish authorities have so far identified seven drones and “remains of a missile of unidentified origin.”
Updated
'Egregious, unprecedented' violation of Polish, Nato airspace, UK's Starmer says
UK prime minister Keir Starmer has now responded to the overnight events, calling the Russian violation of the Polish airspace “egregious and unprecedented” and “extremely reckless.”
Here is his statement in full:
“This morning’s barbaric attack on Ukraine and the egregious and unprecedented violation of Polish and Nato airspace by Russian drones is deeply concerning.
This was an extremely reckless move by Russia and only serves to remind us of President Putin’s blatant disregard for peace, and the constant bombardment innocent Ukrainians face every day.
I have been in touch with the Polish prime minister this morning to make clear our support for Poland, and that we will stand firm in our support for Ukraine.
My sincere thanks go to the Nato and Polish forces who rapidly responded to protect the Alliance.
With our partners – and through our leadership of the Coalition of the Willing – we will continue to ramp up the pressure on Putin until there is a just and lasting peace.”
We are receiving reports about the first drone remains found this morning in Poland, with one traveling as far as 300 kilometers inside Polish territory before crashing in a field near Mniszków in the łódzkie voivodship.
Another drone was found in Czosnówka, some 50 km from the Polish-Belarusian border, with local prosecutors confirming they found “an object bearing Cyrillic inscriptions.”
Updated
In her State of the Union address earlier today, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, also responded to the overnight incident in Poland, saying:
“Just today we have seen a reckless and unprecedented violation of Poland’s and Europe’s airspace by more than 10 Russian drones.
“Putin’s message is clear, and our response must be clear too. We need more pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table. We need more sanctions.
We are now working on the 19th package in coordination with partners. We are particularly looking at phasing out Russian fossil fuels faster, the shadow fleet and third countries.
And at the same time we need more support for Ukraine. No one has contributed as much as Europe. Close to 170 billion euros of military and financial aid so far. More will be needed.
And it should not only be European taxpayers who bear the brunt of this. This is Russia’s war. And it is Russia that should pay.”
European leaders express solidarity with Poland
A number of European leaders have expressed their solidarity with Poland after overnight violation of Poland’s airspace by Russian drones.
French president Emmanuel Macron said the attack was “simply unacceptable,” and condemned it “in the strongest possible terms.”
“I call on Russia to put an end to this reckless escalation. I reiterate to the Polish people and their government our full solidarity. I will soon speak with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte. We will not compromise on the security of the Allies,” he said.
Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof said it was “unacceptable,” and “a further proof that Russia’s war of aggression poses a threat to the security of Europe.”
“I’m glad that Dutch F-35 fighter aircraft was able to provide support. The Netherlands stands shoulder to shoulder with its Nato ally, Poland,” he said.
Ireland’s Micheál Martin said he “strongly condemned the violation of Poland’s territorial integrity,” calling it a “reckless and unprecedented act that is a stark reminder of the threat posed by Russia to Europe’s security.”
Finnish prime minister Petteri Orpo noted that “Poland had to resort to exceptional measures to protect its airspace from Russian drones.”
“Poland has Finland’s full support,” he said.
The European Council’s president António Costa said the last night’s events were “a stark reminder that the security of one is the security of all.”
“We stand in full solidarity with Poland following Russia’s unacceptable violation of its airspace. Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine and reckless airspace incursions into EU Member States pose a direct threat to the safety of all Europeans and to critical infrastructure across our continent.
Poland is right to take necessary steps to defend its sovereignty. Europe is increasing investment in its defence, because peace and security in Europe cannot be taken for granted.”
Meanwhile, Warsaw’s main airport has reopened and resumed flights, but it warned that passengers are likely to experience delays throughout the day.
Poland summons Russian chargé d'affaires after overnight drone attack - report
Russian chargé d’affaires in Warsaw has been summoned by the Polish foreign ministry, Russian Ria Novosti news agency says.
But Andrey Ordash told the agency that Poland has not offered any evidence that the drones were of Russian origin.
Updated
Tusk says the first signals from Nato members show the understanding of how serious the situation is and the importance of continued support for Ukraine in this context.
He stresses Poland’s support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, saying this is also fundamental to Poland’s security.
Tusk warns prospect of military conflict 'closer than at any time since second world war'
Tusk also warns that last night’s violations are only a part of the broader security picture, with Russia and Belarus set to hold “aggressive” military exercise later this week.
“There is no reason to claim that we are in a state of war... but the situation is significantly more dangerous than all previous ones.”
He says the prospect of a large military conflict is “closer than at any time since the second world war.”
Poland will invoke Article 4 of Nato to consult on response to threat, Tusk says
Tusk says Poland will invoke the Article 4 of Nato, requesting a formal consultation within the alliance, a move agreed between him and the president, Karol Nawrocki.
The article reads:
“The Parties will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened.”
As per Nato’s records, Article 4 has been invoked only seven times since Nato was created in 1949 and last in 2022, in the immediate aftermath of the Russian full scale invasion of Ukraine.
But Tusk says while he appreciates all expressions of solidarity, “the words are not enough,” and Poland will request “a much greater” support from Nato allies.
19 violations of Polish airspace overnight, most likely four drones shot down, Tusk says
Tusk tells lawmakers that the Polish army first decided to escalate its response to Russian attacks on Ukraine just after 10pm local time.
The first violation of the Polish airspace occurred around 11:30pm on Tuesday, and the last one was reported 6:30am this morning. “It gives you an idea of the scale of this operation,” he says.
Preliminary reports indicate there were 19 airspace violations, with a significant number of drones crossing into Poland from Belarus.
Three drones have been confirmed shot down, while a fourth is believed to have been brought down as well. Authorities are working to verify and finalise these figures, he says.
PM Tusk briefing parliament on last night's violation of Polish airspace
Polish PM Donald Tusk is speaking in the Polish parliament now, briefing lawmakers on last night’s events.
I will bring you all the key lines here.
It’s Jakub Krupa here, taking over from Amy Sedghi to guide you through the rest of the day with the latest updates from Poland.
Good morning.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said in her state of the union speech on Wednesday that the commission will propose a new qualitative military edge programme to support investment in the Ukrainian military’s capabilities.
She also said that Europe stands in full solidarity with Poland after the “violation” of its airspace.
Von der Leyen added that more sanctions on Russia are needed and that in sanction talks, phasing out of Russian fossil fuels faster were being looked at. She also said that sanctions on the shadow oil fleet and third countries were being discussed.
The European Commission president also spoke about the need to work on a “new solution” to finance Ukraine using frozen Russian assets. “We can povide Ukraine with a reparations loan using the cash balances associated with frozen Russian assets,” von der Leyen said, adding that Ukraine would only pay back the loan once Russia paid for the reparations.
Macron calls airspace incursion into Poland during Russian attack 'simply unacceptable'
French president Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that the incursion of drones during a Russian attack on western Ukraine into Polish airspace was “simply unacceptable,” adding that he would speak soon to Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
Macron wrote in a post on social media platform X:
We will not compromise on the safety of our allies.
The Russian drone attack that also hit Poland is test of Nato countries’ defence capabilities, and it is difficult to believe it to just be a coincidence, Czech prime minister Petr Fiala said on Wednesday.
Fiala said on X social media platform:
The night-time Russian drone attack, which also struck Polish territory, is a test of the defence capabilities of Nato countries. It is hard to believe that this was a mere coincidence.
[Russian president Vladimir] Putin’s regime threatens all of Europe and systematically probes how far it can go. It is reassuring that Poland’s air defence systems responded effectively. It is clear that Russia is attempting to harm the inhabitants of other European countries.
We stand with Poland, because they are on the frontline as our allies. Please keep this in mind-especially now, when many extremists are trying to convince you that Russia is not an enemy and that the solution lies in disarmament.
Polish president to call security council meeting within 48 hours
Polish president Karol Nawrocki decided to call a meeting of the national security council within 48 hours as Poland shot down Russian drones that entered its airspace during a widespread Russian attack in western Ukraine, reports Reuters.
“ … news that we will have full information about what happened in Poland within 48 hours led me to the decision to convene the national security council within 48 hours,” Karol Nawrocki said adding the situation was unprecedented moment in Nato’s and Poland’s history.
The European Union stands in full solidarity with Poland after drones from a Russian attack in western Ukraine entered Polish airspace, EU Council president António Costa said on Wednesday.
He wrote on X:
Last night’s events are a stark reminder that the security of one is the security of all.
We stand in full solidarity with Poland following Russia’s unacceptable violation of its airspace. Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine and reckless airspace incursions into EU member states pose a direct threat to the safety of all Europeans and to critical infrastructure across our continent.
Poland is right to take necessary steps to defend its sovereignty. Europe is increasing investment in its defence, because peace and security in Europe cannot be taken for granted.
Two German Patriot air defence systems deployed to Poland were involved in the detection of Russian drones over Polish territory overnight, a security source told Reuters on Wednesday.
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says Poland deliberately targeted in Russian attack
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that Poland was deliberately targeted in a Russian drone attack overnight.
“Increasing evidence indicates that this movement, this direction of strike, was no accident,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
He wrote:
More information is coming in about the intrusion of Russian attack drones into Polish territory. As of now, it’s known about eight drones. Increasing evidence indicates that this movement, this direction of strike, was no accident. There have been previous incidents of individual Russian drones crossing the border and traveling a short distance into neighboring countries. But this time, we are recording a much larger scale and deliberate targeting.
Ukraine is ready to provide Poland with all the necessary data available regarding this Russian strike. Ukraine is also ready to help Poland build an effective system of warning and protection against such Russian threats. It is clear that Russian aggression poses a danger to every independent nation in our region, and therefore only joint and coordinated action can guarantee reliable security.
The precedent of using combat aircraft from several European countries simultaneously to shoot down Russian weapons and protect human lives is highly significant. Ukraine has long proposed to its partners the creation of a joint air-defence system to ensure the guaranteed downing of ‘shaheds’, other drones, and missiles through the combined strength of our combat aviation and air defenses. Together, Europeans are always stronger. Russia must feel that the response to this escalatory step, and even more so to an attempt to humiliate one of Europe’s key countries, will be clear and strong from all partners.
Nato is not treating the drone incursion into Polish territory as an attack, a Nato source told Reuters on Wednesday, adding initial indications suggested an intentional incursion of six to ten Russian drones.
“It was the first time Nato aircraft have engaged potential threats allied airspace,” the source said, adding Nato’s Patriot air defence systems in the region had detected the drones with their radars but not engaged them.
Polish F-16 fighter jets, Dutch F-35, Italian Awacs surveillance planes and mid-air refueling aircraft jointly operated by Nato were involved in the overnight operation, according to the source.
Russia’s drone incursions into Polish airspace are more proof that Moscow’s war against Ukraine is a threat to “us all” and Nato should reinforce air defence on the frontline without delay, Czech foreign minister Jan Lipavský said on Wednesday.
Lipavský said in a post on social media platform X:
Czechia stands in full solidarity with our ally Poland.
Russia’s reckless drone incursions into Polish airspace are yet another proof that Moscow’s war against Ukraine threatens us all.
Nato must reinforce air defence on the frontier without delay. [Russian president Vladimir] Putin will not stop unless we stop him – hand in hand with tougher sanctions.
Reuters has provided more detail on an earlier report that a drone or similar object struck a residential building in Wyryki in eastern Poland. Nobody was injured, the local mayor told state-run news channel TVP Info.
Wyryki mayor Bernard Blaszczuk told the news channel:
At 6.45 am, I received a phone call from one of the office workers saying something had fallen.
A drone or missile definitely hit the roof; we don’t know at this point … The police are providing security, and we have a crisis management team on site.
Reuters reports that footage on TVP Info showed a house with a damaged roof and the rafters showing.
Elsewhere in eastern Poland’s Lublin region police said they found a damaged drone in the village of Czosnowka. The district prosecutor’s office in Zamosc, also in the Lublin region, said it had been informed of the discovery of drone components, near a cemetery in the town of Czesniki.
Nato to discuss drones that entered Poland during regular meeting on Wednesday
The North Atlantic Council (Nato) is meeting on Wednesday morning for a regular session and will discuss how Nato responded to the drones that entered Poland overnight, Nato spokesperson Allison Hart said.
Updated
Russian drones' entry into European airspace was likely intentional, Kallas says
Early indications suggest the entry of Russian drones into European airspace was intentional, not accidental, the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas said on Wednesday.
Kallas wrote in a post on X:
Russia’s war is escalating, not ending.
We must raise the cost on Moscow, strengthen support for Ukraine, and invest in Europe’s defence. The EU plays a major role and we will support initiatives like the eastern border shield defence line.
She also described the Russian attack, where drones entered Polish airspace, as “the most serious European airspace violation by Russia since the war began”.
Kallas added that she is in touch with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte and deputy prime minister of Poland Radosław Sikorski. “The EU stands in full solidarity with Poland,” said Kallas.
Poland is ready to react to attacks and 'provocations', says PM Tusk
Poland is ready to react to any attacks or provocations, the Polish prime minister said after the country shot down Russian drones that entered its airspace during a widespread Russian attack in western Ukraine.
According to Reuters, Donald Tusk said:
We are dealing with a large-scale provocation … We are ready to repel such provocations. The situation is serious, and no one doubts that we must prepare for various scenarios.
Nato is consulting closely with Poland after it shot down drones that entered its airspace during a Russian attack in western Ukraine, a Nato spokesperson wrote in a post on social media platform X.
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte “is in touch with Polish leadership,” the spokesperson said.
EU must develop 'drone wall' along eastern flank, defence commissioner says
The European Union must develop a “drone wall” along the eastern flank of its shared borders, EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius said on Wednesday, after Poland shot down drones that entered its airspace during a Russian attack in western Ukraine.
“Once again Russia tests frontier states, EU & Nato,” Kubilius wrote in a post on social media platform X. He added:
We shall work together with member states, frontier countries and Ukraine. Russia will be stopped.
Drone components have been found near a cemetery in the town of Czesniki, south-eastern Poland, Polish local prosecutor’s office said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that according to the findings so far, no one was injured.
Poland shot down drones that entered its airspace during a widespread Russian attack in western Ukraine on Wednesday, with the Nato member calling the incursion “an act of aggression”.
Polish airspace was 'violated by huge number of Russian drones', says PM Tusk
Last night the Polish airspace was violated by a huge number of Russian drones, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said on X on Wednesday adding that drones that posed a direct threat were shot down.
Tusk wrote on X:
Last night the Polish airspace was violated by a huge number of Russian drones. Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down.
I am in constant communication with the secretary general of Nato and our allies.
Updated
Zelenskyy says Russian attack sets 'an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe'
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described Russia’s latest attack on the country, which saw drones enter Polish airspace, as “another step of escalation” and “an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe”.
Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that at least eight drones had targeted Poland during Russian attacks overnight that deployed a total of about 415 drones and over 40 missiles.
He called for a stronger response from allies and said “delaying restrictions on Russia and its accomplices only means increasing the brutality of the strikes”.
Here is his statement that was posted on his X account:
Rescuers are now working in Volochysk, Khmelnytskyi region, where the Russians struck an ordinary sewing workshop with a missile. As of now, three people are reported injured. This is just one of the sites of today’s massive Russian attack: about 415 drones of various types and more than 40 cruise and ballistic missiles. Fifteen of our regions were under attack. Sadly, one person was killed as a result of shelling in the Zhytomyr region. My condolences to the family and loved ones.
Moscow always pushes the boundaries of what is possible, and if it does not encounter a strong reaction, it remains at the new level of escalation. Today there was another step of escalation – Russian-Iranian ‘shaheds’ operated in the airspace of Poland, in Nato airspace. It was not just one ‘shahed’ that could be called an accident, but at least eight strike drones aimed toward Poland.
An extremely dangerous precedent for Europe. Whether there will be further steps depends entirely on the coordination and strength of the response. The Russians must feel the consequences. Russia must feel that the war cannot be expanded and will have to be ended.
The pause in sanctions has gone on far too long. Delaying restrictions on Russia and its accomplices only means increasing the brutality of the strikes. Sufficient weapons are needed to deter Russia. A strong response is needed – and it can only be a joint response by all partners: Ukraine, Poland, all Europeans, the United States. I thank everyone who is helping.
Updated
Reuters has a breaking news line, citing Polstat News, that a done struck a residential building in Wyryki, eastern Poland. Nobody was injured, it adds.
We will report more details as they come in.
Updated
Airports reopen in Warsaw, Modlin and Rzeszow
As we reported earlier, Warsaw’s main airport has reopened. Now a spokesman for the Polish air navigation services agency has told TV station TVN24 that airports in Modlin and Rzeszow have also reopened.
The airport in Lublin remains temporarily closed.
President Karol Nawrocki’s meeting with the National Security Bureau has ended, according to a post by the agency on X.
Zakończyła się narada zwołana przez Prezydenta RP @NawrockiKn w @BBN_PL. pic.twitter.com/ZF6Zu5AyAY
— BBN (@BBN_PL) September 10, 2025
Drone interception operation has ended, military says, but search continues for debris
The Polish military says the “operations of Polish and allied aviation related to violations of Polish airspace have concluded” but that the search for fallen drones and their impact site is ongoing.
In a post on X, it urged people not to touch or approach and unknown object or debris, warning that they may contain hazardous materials.
It also thanks Nato Aircommand and the Royal Netherlands Air Force for their help in ensuring “safety in Polish skies”. It added:
Ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have returned to standard operational activities.
A former US deputy assistant secretary of defence has told the BBC that it’s hard to imagine the incursion of Russian drones into Poland is a mistake.
“One drone is a mistake, multiple drones is not a mistake,” Jim Townsend has told the BBC.
This is more than likely a test - this is a test that Nato has to answer …Now is the political side of Nato that is on the hot seat to make sure the response from the alliance is appropriate.”
Warsaw's Chopin airport reopens
Warsaw’s Chopin airport says it has reopened. In a Facebook post it warned however that due to the restrictions and closures of airspace “difficulties and delays that can last throughout the day should be expected”.
It told passengers to check its website for flight information and directly with carriers.
Ukrainian foreign minister calls for strong response, warns 'Putin's sense of impunity keeps growing'
The Russian drone incursion into Poland shows that “Putin’s sense of impunity keeps growing”, Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha has said, and called for partner countries in neighbouring countries to be allowed to shoot down drones and missiles in Ukrainian air space. In a post on X he wrote:
Putin just keeps escalating, expanding his war, and testing the West. The longer he faces no strength in response, the more aggressive he gets.
A weak response now will provoke Russia even more—and then Russian missiles and drones will fly even further into Europe.
This situation shows that finally the decision needs to be taken to enable partner air defence capabilities in neighbouring countries to be used to intercept drones and missiles in the Ukrainian air space, including those approaching Nato borders.
Ukraine has suggested such step for a long time.
Updated
Last summer, Sonya*, aged 17 at the time, had endured more than two years of a difficult life under Russian occupation in the Kherson region of southern Ukraine. Her foster mother agreed that she needed a break.
Growing up under forced assimilation had been scary, Sonya says, and her Russian-controlled school had offered to take her to a holiday camp in Crimea, a balmy peninsula once famed for being the spa of the Soviet Union.
It was only after they had left that she discovered they were actually being taken to Volgograd, a city more than 600 miles (1,000km) away in the south-west of Russia. Far from being a holiday resort, the city is home to one of a growing number of state-run military-style training camps held for Ukrainian and Russian children.
Updated
Kęstutis Budrys, Lithuania’s foreign minister, has said his country “stands in full solidarity” with Poland.
In a post on X, Budrys says that air defences must be reinforced and that Nato must respond with capabilities “not just concerns”.
The reality is clear: as long as Putin is allowed to continue waging his bloody war against #Ukraine, no country - not even within NATO - is safe. Sanctions must strike at the heart of the Kremlin’s war economy. Putin will not stop unless we stop him.”
#Lithuania stands in full solidarity with our ally #Poland. Russia’s repeated reckless violations of #NATO airspace pose a direct threat to the security of the people and critical infrastructure.
— Kęstutis Budrys (@BudrysKestutis) September 10, 2025
Air defense along NATO’s frontline must be reinforced without delay. The Alliance…
All of Ukraine, including western regions of Volyn and Lviv which border Poland, have been under air raid alerts throughout the night, according to Ukraine’s air force.
Explosions have been seen over the capital Kyiv. The extent of any damage remains unclear.
A damaged drone believed to be involved in the overnight incursion was discovered in the village of Czosnówka in eastern Poland, local police confirmed.
Czosnówka lies approximately 40km (25 miles) from Poland’s border with Belarus.
W związku sytuacją naruszenia przestrzeni powietrznej Komendant Wojewódzki Policji w Lublinie ogłosił alarm dla wszystkich policjantów garnizonu lubelskiego.
— Policja Lubelska 🇵🇱 (@PolicjaLubelska) September 10, 2025
W Komendzie Wojewódzkiej Policji w Lublinie trwa posiedzenie sztabu z udziałem https://t.co/Rz8ais9Ubh. Wojewody… pic.twitter.com/CH8rVCiqDL
The Polish government has warned anyone who finds a downed drone to not approach, saying “such elements may remain dangerous and must be inspected by sapper patrols.”
Ben Hodges, a former commander of US Army forces in Europe, has told Reuters that the number of incursions by Russian drones into Nato airspace “make it clear that these are intentional tests of Nato and national air defences and early warning systems”.
We need to be able to respond effectively, each time … We certainly could be doing more.
Poland’s defence minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, is expected to cut short his visit to London where he was due to attend a meeting of the defence ministers from the E5 Group of Five nations – France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom – and will return to Poland, national broadcaster TVP Info has reported.
Separately, Poland’s president, Karol Nawrocki, says he will “shortly” lead an emergency meeting of the National Security Bureau, with prime minister Tusk in attendance.
He says he is in contact with all key ministers and army leaders. In a post on X he said:
The security of our Homeland is the highest priority and requires close cooperation.
Updated
Poland has called an emergency cabinet meeting for 8am Warsaw time.
Ahead of the meeting, Poland’s prime minister Donald Tusk is consulting with the key ministers responsible for defence and security, the government said.
Poland’s territorial army says it has introduced shortened time for reporting for duty and posted a map.
The time in those areas coloured red and comprising Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, Lubelskie, and Podkarpackie has been cut to six hours, while those in yellow areas must report within 12.
ALERT GOTOWOŚCI WOT 🚨
— Terytorialsi | Zawsze Gotowi, Zawsze Blisko! (@terytorialsi) September 10, 2025
👉 W związku z naruszeniem polskiej przestrzeni powietrznej i uruchomieniem naziemnych zespołów poszukiwawczo-ratowniczych wprowadzono skrócony czas stawiennictwa dla żołnierzy WOT.
⏰ Żołnierze WOT mogą otrzymać wezwanie do natychmiastowego… pic.twitter.com/2WPddAjPRz
Lubelskie region governor Krzysztof Komorski is leading an emergency meeting with the police this morning.
In a post on X, he urged residents to follow the guidance from the relevant authorities.
Trwa sztab kryzysowy w siedzibie KWP Lublin. Prosimy o stosowanie się do komunikatów służb. @PolskaPolicja @PolicjaLubelska pic.twitter.com/MaPMz8jefO
— Krzysztof Komorski (@komorski4lbn) September 10, 2025
Prime minister Donald Tusk meanwhile said in his latest update that he is in “constant contact” with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
Updated
The latest Polish statement gives the number of the drones as “kilkanaście,” which (to the best of my knowledge) doesn’t have an appropriate English equivalent as it means a number between 11 and 19.
What we know so far
If you’re just just joining us, here’s quick summary of what we know so far:
Poland says it has shot down drones that violated its airspace during a Russian attack on neighbouring Ukraine.
Polish prime minister Donald Tusk has said the operation is “ongoing” while the military has said it is searching for drone debris.
In its latest update the military said Polish and allies monitoring services followed “a dozen or so” objects, and ordered to shoot down those deemed to pose a risk.
It called the overnight violations “unprecedented” and “an act of aggression that posed a real risk to the lives of our citizens.”
It urged people to stay at home, especially in the regions of Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin.
Four airports have been temporarily closed, including Warsaw’s main Chopin airport and Rzeszow-Jasionka airport, a hub for passenger and arms transfers to Ukraine.
Polish authorities say they are in “constant contact” with Nato command
Updated
Poland’s prime minister Donald Tusk says he’s received a report from the military top brass on shooting down the drones that ‘violated our airspace and could pose danger’.
“The operation is on-going,” he said in a post on X.
The US has yet to comment on the drone incursion but US politicians have been quick to condemn Russia.
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said that the “repeated violations of Nato airspace” by Russian drones were “fair warning that Vladimir Putin is testing our resolve to protect Poland and the Baltic nations”. He continued:
After the carnage Putin continues to visit on Ukraine, these incursions cannot be ignored.
Republican congressman Joe Wilson, a senior member of the foreign affairs committee, described the incursion in a post on X as an “act of war”. He continued:
We are grateful to Nato allies for their swift response to war criminal Putin’s continued unprovoked aggression against free and productive nations.
Wilson urged President Donald Trump to respond with sanctions “that will bankrupt the Russian war machine” and added “Putin is no longer content just losing in Ukraine while bombing mothers and babies, he is now directly testing our resolve in Nato territory,” he said.
As we reported earlier, four Polish airports have closed according to US authorities but this had yet to be confirmed by their Polish counterparts.
However Warsaw’s main airport, Chopin airport, has now confirmed that operations there have been suspended. In a Facebook post it wrote:
Due to the actions of state services and the military to ensure security, the airspace over parts of the country, including Chopin Airport, has been temporarily closed.
The airport remains open, but currently there are no air operations.
All passengers are asked to follow official state communications and airlines.
Information updates will be published through the edition of this notice.
In their latest update, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces has called the overnight violations “unprecedented” and “an act of aggression that posed a real risk to the lives of our citizens.”
It said the Polish and allies monitoring services followed “a dozen or so” objects, and ordered to shoot down those deemed to pose a risk.
It said there was an ongoing search operation for their debris.
Poland’s military command earlier said Polish airspace was repeatedly violated by “drone-type objects” during the Russian attack across the border in Ukraine.
It said the military operation was ongoing and urged people to stay at home, saying the regions of Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin were most at risk. It added:
The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces is monitoring the situation, and subordinate forces and units remain on full readiness for immediate response.
Poland has also temporarily closed four airports, according to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Polish authorities have yet to confirm the closures.
Those affected, according to the FAA, include Poland’s main Chopin airport in Warsaw, as well as the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport in Poland’s south-east, a hub for passenger and arms transfers to Ukraine.
The search is underway for the downed drones, according to defence minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
In a post on X he said that Poland’s “territorial Defense Forces have been activated for ground searches of downed drones.
“We ask for calm and to share only the announcements of the military and state services. In case of encountering object fragments, please do not approach them and inform the police.”
Welcome and summary
Poland has shot down drones following repeated violations of its airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine, prime minister Donald Tusk has said.
“An operation is underway related to the repeated violation of Polish airspace,” Tusk wrote on X “The military has used weaponry against the objects.”
The announcement came after Poland closed airports and launched an operation “to neutralise” objects that crossed over its border.
Earlier, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russian drones had entered Nato-member Poland’s airspace, posing a threat to the city of Zamosc, but it subsequently removed that statement from the Telegram messaging app.
We’ll bring you further updates as we get them.
