Poland has heightened its military response to repeated incursions of Russian drones over its territory, launching a significant operation to neutralize these threats. During times of heightened tension, Tusk stated that Polish air defenses were activated. NATO further came to the establishment’s assistance as the operation merged into an ongoing military operation to Podlaskie, Mazowieckie and Lublin — Poland’s most vulnerable regions.
These incidents happen against the background of Russia’s growing aggression, as it waged its 15-month-long war against Ukraine. Poland has temporarily shut down its airspace, including the airports in Warsaw, in reaction to violations of its airspace. The country has enacted strict policies to protect its borders. In particular, the border with Belarus will be closed as a preventative measure.
President Karol Nawrocki has been personally overseeing the whole procedure, being updated day by day by Poland’s National Security Bureau. The Polish military is becoming more integrated with NATO allies. Collectively, they’re working on the threats drone incursions could, and in some cases have, presented.
“An operation is under way related to the repeated violation of Polish airspace,” stated Prime Minister Tusk during a press conference. He reiterated, “the military has fired weapons at the objects.” This chilling announcement details just how ominously bad the situation is for Poland.
Poland has been on a state of heightened alert since a stray Ukrainian missile hit a southern Polish village in November 2022. This incident unfortunately led to loss of two lives, and soon after a surge of military presence. A series of recent escalations have been the final straw for Polish authorities. They are calling on citizens to heed directions from civil defense and the army, including avoiding all wreckage from downed drones.
The ongoing disruption has taken a heavy toll on civilian operations. It has further hampered critical logistics and arms transfer functions, particularly in the booming southeast city of Rzeszów. This industrious little city has been a critical part of the West’s support for Ukraine, and it continues to be at the heart of NATO’s logistical lifeline.
Fears of a continued Russian aggression extend well past the borders of Poland. As U.S. Senator Dick Durbin has underscored, those costs are felt in the larger security environment across the region. Vladimir Putin is testing our resolve to come to the defense of Poland and the Baltic states,” he began. He added, “After the carnage Putin continues to visit on Ukraine, these incursions cannot be ignored.”
While the military operation is ongoing, Polish authorities are on high alert and will be ready to respond to a further threat should it arise.