Poland has raised national security alerts after reporting multiple Russian drone incursions, the arrest of suspected spies, and the closure of its border with Belarus. The events unfolded in early September 2025, with the border closure set for 11 September at midnight local time. The incidents involve Poland, Belarus, Russia and NATO, and stem from airspace violations, espionage claims and large-scale military exercises taking place along the frontier.
Drone Incursions into Polish Airspace
Polish authorities confirmed that several Russian drones entered the country's airspace this month, prompting an immediate military response. Fighter jets were scrambled and air defence systems activated as the drones crossed into eastern Poland.
The violations led to the temporary closure of several major airports, including Warsaw Chopin, Rzeszów-Jasionka, Modlin and Lublin, leaving passengers stranded and disrupting flight schedules. Residents in the eastern provinces were advised to remain indoors as defence forces tracked the incursions.
In one incident, debris from an unidentified drone marked with Cyrillic characters was discovered near Polatycze, only 300 metres from the Belarus border. Although no casualties were reported, Polish officials described the event as a provocation and placed the military on its highest state of readiness.
NATO allies closely monitored developments, underscoring the risks of escalation along the alliance's eastern flank.
Espionage Arrests and Diplomatic Fallout
Tensions have also risen after Belarus detained a 27-year-old Polish Carmelite monk, Grzegorz Gaweł, accusing him of espionage. Belarusian authorities claimed he was in possession of classified documents connected to upcoming military drills. Poland rejected the charges, insisting the detention was politically motivated.
In response, Poland announced the arrest of a Belarusian national suspected of spying on its territory. Officials confirmed that a Belarusian diplomat would also be expelled for activities deemed harmful to Polish security. The action was coordinated with intelligence partners in the Czech Republic and Romania, highlighting a broader regional effort to counter espionage linked to Belarus and Russia.
Belarus strongly condemned the expulsions, calling them unjustified and politically orchestrated. The tit-for-tat measures have deepened mistrust and added a diplomatic layer to the military tensions already playing out along the border.
Belarus Border Closure Amid Zapad-2025 Drills
The Polish government has declared that its border with Belarus will close on 11 September, citing threats posed by the joint Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 military exercises. The drills, staged close to Polish territory, reportedly include nuclear strike simulations and the deployment of hypersonic Oreshnik missiles.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the decision was taken to safeguard Poland against potential provocations and accidents arising from the exercises. Belarus reacted by summoning the Polish chargé d'affaires and criticising the move as unnecessary and politically motivated.
Meanwhile, NATO has launched parallel military exercises inside Poland, reinforcing the message of deterrence against potential aggression. The manoeuvres underline Poland's role as a frontline NATO state and its strategic significance in the broader European security landscape.
Wider Geopolitical Implications
The combination of drone incursions, espionage arrests and border closures underscores the volatility along NATO's eastern frontier. Officials have warned of the dangers of accidental escalation, particularly as Russian drones continue to operate near allied airspace and large-scale drills heighten the risk of miscalculation.
With espionage allegations intensifying and diplomatic expulsions mounting, relations between Warsaw and Minsk remain severely strained. The unfolding crisis highlights Poland's position at the centre of European security concerns, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues to spill over into neighbouring states.
