Polish air defenses shot down drones that violated national airspace during Russia's latest strikes on Ukraine, marking Warsaw's first such action against airborne threats, CNN reported. The military's Operation Command declared on X that the attack was "an act of aggression that posed a real threat to the safety of our citizens."
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the armed forces were engaged in "a military response operation related to multiple violations of Polish airspace" and confirmed that "the military has used weapons against the objects," according to CNN.
President Karol Nawrocki emphasized on X that "the security of our homeland is our highest priority" and said he would be briefing Poland's National Security Bureau later in the day, CNN noted.
The incident came as faith in NATO unity continues to falter, with CNN pointing to President Donald Trump's stance urging Europeans to take the lead in defense strategy.
Ned Price, who served as a US State Department spokesperson, told CNN that Russia may have deliberately tested NATO response by sending drones. He warned that "their presence, if deliberate, could expose what Russia might see as 'weakness,'" while also acknowledging the possibility of accidental overflight.
Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois was more blunt, warning on X that "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," CNN said.
Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that Poland is "in constant contact with NATO command." He said Territorial Defense Forces had been deployed to recover wreckage and called on civilians to stay calm and report findings.
Operation Command stressed the mission was "ongoing" and that forces remained "fully prepared for immediate response." It identified the Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lubelskie Voivodeships as most vulnerable and instructed residents in those areas to remain indoors.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CNN that he had been briefed on the intrusions after leaving a dinner with President Trump on Tuesday evening.
Polish authorities earlier closed Warsaw International Airport, while both Polish and NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled in response to incoming drones.
After Russia's massive barrage on Ukraine, Operational Command raised Polish air defenses to maximum readiness. "To ensure the security of Polish airspace, the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces has activated all necessary procedures," it said, stressing readiness.
The FAA released a NOTAM confirming that Warsaw Chopin Airport and at least two more airports were shut "due to unplanned military activity related to ensuring state security."
Prior to that statement, Ukraine's Air Force warned on Telegram that drones were headed toward Zamosc, though the post was later deleted, Reuters wrote.
It was unclear how many drones crossed into Polish skies, with Ukrainian media claiming one approached Rzeszow. CNN said it was unable to verify.
A NOTAM later confirmed Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport's closure, a critical NATO logistic hub until US troops withdrew earlier this year.
Lublin Airport near Warsaw was also declared closed due to military activity, making it the third facility restricted, air authorities said.
