At least three Russian drones were shot down by Polish and NATO aircraft in Poland's airspace during overnight attacks on Ukraine, the Polish prime minister has said. Donald Tusk told MPs Poland had recorded 19 drone incursions, with some flying deep enough to temporarily close four airports, including Warsaw's main hub Chopin.
This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two, he said. This is the first time Russian drones have been downed over the territory of a NATO member since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Russia's defence ministry stated there had been no plans to target facilities on the territory of Poland. Tusk emphasized that the recent events posed a security threat, underscoring a significant political change in the region.
The Polish military conducted operations with NATO allies, using advanced fighter jets in a response that highlights the ongoing tensions following the invasion of Ukraine. President Zelensky of Ukraine labeled the incident an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe, emphasizing the need for international solidarity against Russian aggression.
Following the violations, the Polish government has invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, initiating urgent discussions with member states on how to enhance security measures in light of the threat posed by such drone incursions.
This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two, he said. This is the first time Russian drones have been downed over the territory of a NATO member since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Russia's defence ministry stated there had been no plans to target facilities on the territory of Poland. Tusk emphasized that the recent events posed a security threat, underscoring a significant political change in the region.
The Polish military conducted operations with NATO allies, using advanced fighter jets in a response that highlights the ongoing tensions following the invasion of Ukraine. President Zelensky of Ukraine labeled the incident an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe, emphasizing the need for international solidarity against Russian aggression.
Following the violations, the Polish government has invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, initiating urgent discussions with member states on how to enhance security measures in light of the threat posed by such drone incursions.
