Poland deployed aircraft to shoot down Russian drones that were “repeatedly” violating its airspace early Wednesday, testing the NATO alliance’s resolve as Russia wars with Ukraine.
“During today’s attack by the Russian Federation carrying out strikes on targets located in the territory of Ukraine, our airspace was repeatedly violated by drone-type objects,” the Polish operational command said.
“An operation is underway aimed at identifying and neutralizing the objects. On the orders of the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, weapons have been deployed, and services are actively working to locate the downed objects,” it added.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that the military “used armaments” to destroy the drones, writing that “an operation is underway related to multiple violations” of the country’s airspace, with the country’s defense minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, writing that “aircraft have used weapons against hostile objects” and adding that Poland was in “constant contact” with NATO command.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CNN he had been briefed on the incursion.
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) said Russia was targeting Poland to test NATO, writing on X, “Russia is attacking NATO ally Poland with Iranian shahed drones less than a week after President Trump hosted President Nawrocki at the White House.”
“This is an act of war, and we are grateful to NATO allies for their swift response to war criminal Putin’s continued unprovoked aggression against free and productive nations. I urge President Trump to respond with mandatory sanctions that will bankrupt the Russian war machine and arm Ukraine with weapons capable of striking Russia. Putin is no longer content just losing in Ukraine while bombing mothers and babies, he is now directly testing our resolve in NATO territory. Putin stated that ‘Russia knows no borders.’ Free and prosperous nations will teach Russia about borders,” he concluded.
POLAND ACCUSES RUSSIA OF ‘PROVOCATION’ AFTER DRONE CRASH ON BORDER
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) reflected a similar sentiment earlier in the evening.
“Repeated violations of NATO airspace by Russian drones are fair warning that Vladimir Putin is testing our resolve to protect Poland and the Baltic nations. After the carnage Putin continues to visit on Ukraine, these incursions cannot be ignored,” he said.
