Russian drones violated Polish airspace overnight, prompting Poland and NATO forces to shoot several down. Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that “last night the Polish airspace was violated by a huge number of Russian drones. Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down.” Poland’s military reported 19 incursions, with some drones entering via Belarus.

One drone struck a residential building in the village of Wyryki, though no injuries were reported. The military described the event as “an act of aggression that posed a real threat to the safety of our citizens.” It marked the first time NATO assets have directly engaged Russian equipment since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

Former US defense official Jim Townsend said, “One drone is a mistake, multiple drones is not a mistake,” suggesting the incursion was a deliberate test of NATO’s response. The attack also forced the shutdown of several airports in Poland.

European leaders strongly condemned the incident. Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it “unacceptable,” adding that “Poland has every right to defend its airspace.” Latvia and Norway also expressed “full support and solidarity” with Poland.

Russia continues to bombard Ukraine, while tensions with NATO rise over what many describe as an “act of war.”