On Wednesday, Poland’s military acknowledged a serious violation of its airspace. After Russian drones had been downed in succession, officials called the event an “unfortunate violation.” A huge Russian attack on Ukraine was underway at the time. In reply, Poland immediately deployed their air defenses, jointly with NATO partner allies.
Poland deployed its entire air force, deploying F-16 fighter jets and other air assets, due to the drone incursion. The situation escalated as Prime Minister Donald Tusk maintained constant communication with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other allied nations. In response, Poland has officially deployed and activated its air assets for the first time. This action follows Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine that started in early 2022.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha underscored just how serious this incident was. He disclosed that Russian drones attacked Polish airspace during the height of Russia’s new offensive against Ukraine. He stressed the need for immediate action, urging partners to “immediately increase” Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. Perhaps more surprising was his insistence that sanctions against Russia “need to be escalated immediately.”
Then, in late 2022, tensions between Poland and Russia escalated to an unprecedented level. It is unclear why a missile struck the village of Przewodów in Poland, but it triggered the War—making tragically killing two people. This recent drone incursion serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by Russian military actions in the region.
According to Prime Minister Tusk, what happened today is the most vivid proof of a Russian president Vladimir Putin’s aggressive behavior. He stressed that Putin is escalating his war efforts, and still very much “testing the West.”
With the European Union on the cusp of introducing its own synchronized swelling of resistance to the Kremlin, NATO’s allies are watching the moves very carefully. Russia has yet to respond to the incident. In practice, it has raised concerns in all member countries about their own security and military readiness.
Polish military’s swift and forceful response underscores the perilous threat that Russian forces pose. It rightly underscores the vital role of international cooperation in addressing these challenges. The war in Ukraine still has NATO and its partners focused. Leaders in all of these efforts are committed to increasing Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities.