The first case of Russian drones shot down over NATO: Poland and the Alliance’s reaction
10 September 2025 11:55
Poland is in the spotlight after an overnight incident with Russian drones. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the incident a “large-scale provocation,” but there is no reason to panic. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to RAD and Onet.
What happened
On the night of September 10, Polish airspace was repeatedly violated by Russian drones during Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Drones that could pose a threat were destroyed. The incident took place in several regions of Poland:
- Czosnówka near Biała Podlaska
- A residential building in Wyrzyka, Lublin Oblast
- Near Mnyszkow (Łódź Voivodeship)
- At the cemetery in Czesznyky (Lubelskie Voivodeship).
A Russian drone or its fragments damaged the roof of a residential building in the Lubelskie Voivodeship in the village of Wyrzyków Wola near Włodawa and a car parked nearby. No one was injured.
“We don’t know the exact details yet. We don’t know if it was the drone itself that fell on the building and damaged the roof and ceiling, or if it was the drone debris. As far as I understand from the residents, people heard an explosion and saw Polish fighter jets. The situation is quite complicated and disturbing. There is indeed a great deal of anxiety among the residents,” said Mariusz Zanko, Mayor of the Włodawa Poviat.
The Polish Air Navigation Agency reported that Polish airspace, with the exception of the Lublin area, had resumed operations.
Tusk and the government’s reaction
Prime Minister Donald Tusk held an emergency government meeting.
The Prime Minister said:
“There has been a violation of airspace by a large number of Russian drones. Those drones that posed an immediate threat were shot down.”
The first part of the meeting was attended by generals who provided detailed information about the incident.
Tusk assured that Poland was ready to respond to provocations and that all procedures had worked effectively.
“There is no reason to panic,” Tusk emphasized and added that citizens will be regularly informed about events in the Polish sky and on the border.
According to the Prime Minister, 19 airspace violations were recorded during the incident.
Three drones have been confirmed downed, another one is likely to have been destroyed, and the rest are being checked. For the first time, most of the drones were not coming from Ukraine, but directly from Belarus.
NATO does not recognize drones in Poland as an attack by Russia
NATO does not consider the incursion of Russian drones into Poland last night as an attack on an Alliance member state, Reuters reports, citing a NATO source.
According to the source, initial reports indicate “a deliberate intrusion of six to ten Russian drones.”
“This was the first time that NATO aircraft attacked potentially dangerous targets in the ally’s airspace,” the source said.
Nevertheless, the source added, “NATO does not consider the invasion of Russian drones into Poland to be an attack.”
It is indicated that Polish F-16 fighters, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS long-range radar detection aircraft and refueling aircraft under NATO control took part in the drone destruction operation.
Meanwhile, a NATO spokesman released an official statement on the Russian attack:
“Overnight, numerous drones entered Polish airspace and were met by Polish and NATO air defenses. The NATO Secretary General is in contact with the Polish leadership. NATO is in close consultation with Poland”.
Reaction of the international community
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the invasion of Russian drones and expressed full solidarity with Poland.
Poland is discussing the possibility of activating NATO’s Article 4, which provides for consultations between allies in the event of a threat to the security of member states.
Consequences for citizens and infrastructure
Four airports (Warsaw, Modlin, Lublin, Rzeszow) were temporarily closed, but have already resumed operations.
No casualties or injuries were reported.
Schools are operating as usual.
Citizens are advised not to approach the wreckage of the drones and to report any findings to the police.
Actions of the military and air defense
The military was involved in countering the drones:
- Air defense systems
- Early warning aircraft
- F-35 and F-16 fighters
- Mi-17, Mi-24 and Black Hawk helicopters
The operation was successful, all drones were destroyed, and Poland’s airspace was restored.
The Prime Minister assured that the Polish government is ready to repel similar provocations and attacks in the future. The situation demonstrates the importance of investing in security, simple procedures and clear coordination between state institutions and allies.
“This is the first test of our military, allies and procedures. We have passed it, and our plans are working,” – Tusk summarized.
Tusk emphasized the importance of joint action by all institutions:
“It is very important that in times of such challenges all institutions act as one fist.”
He emphasized that there is no reason to panic or introduce restrictions that could make life difficult for citizens:
“We will inform citizens about all the events so that there is complete clarity about what is happening in the Polish skies.”
