The Polish army announced Wednesday morning that it had shot down drones that violated its airspace during a Russian attack on neighboring Ukraine.
Radar tracked over 10 objects, and those that could pose a threat were „neutralized,” the Polish Operational Command reported on X.
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Polish planes "used weapons against hostile objects." "We are in constant contact with NATO command," he added on X.
The objects were not detailed, but authorities confirmed they were Russian drones. Residents were urged to stay indoors.
NATO Chief Informed
In another update posted on X, cited by BBC, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he informed NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte about the situation and the measures taken by Poland against "objects that violated the airspace." "We are in constant contact," Tusk conveyed.
Poland is a member state of the NATO security alliance, which unites the US and many European nations in collective defense. NATO's operation in Poland is led by the US military.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated that he will soon lead an emergency meeting of the National Security Bureau, which will also be attended by Prime Minister Tusk. He specified that he is in contact with all key ministers and military leaders. "The security of our homeland is the highest priority and requires close cooperation," he wrote in a post on X.
Airports Closed and NATO Aircraft on Alert
The incident led to the temporary closure of four airports: Warsaw Chopin, Rzeszów-Jasionka, Warsaw Modlin, and Lublin.
The US Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that operations were suspended for reasons of national security.
At the same time, Polish and allied aircraft were scrambled, and radar defense and reconnaissance systems were put on the highest alert level.
Conflicting Reports on the Direction of Drones
The Ukrainian Air Forces reported on Telegram the presence of Russian drones heading west, threatening the Polish city of Zamość.
The message was later deleted. The Ukrainian press, on the other hand, reported that a drone was heading towards Rzeszów, but Reuters could not confirm the information.
American Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed to CNN that he was informed about the incident following a meeting with President Donald Trump.
Poland Closes Border with Belarus
Poland previously announced it was closing its eastern border with Russia's ally Belarus due to joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises starting Friday, Reuters reported.
The large-scale Zapad 25 exercises, taking place in western Russia and Belarus, have raised security concerns not only in Poland but also in neighboring NATO member countries Lithuania and Latvia, according to Reuters.
"On Friday, the very aggressive Russian-Belarusian maneuvers from a military doctrine perspective will begin in Belarus, very close to the Polish border," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated in a government meeting, as reported by Reuters.
"Therefore, for reasons of national security, we will close the border with Belarus, including railway crossings, in connection with the Zapad maneuvers, Thursday at midnight," Tusk announced.
Meanwhile, Polish President Karol Nawrocki, visiting Finland, warned that Vladimir Putin could expand his military aggression beyond Ukraine. "We believe that Vladimir Putin is ready to invade other countries. This is precisely why we are developing our armed forces and partnership with allies," he stated.