Russia Responds After Poland Shoots Down Drones Amid WWIII Fears

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Poland confirmed that it had shot down multiple Russian drones that entered its airspace late Tuesday into early Wednesday, in the midst of a large-scale aerial assault on Ukraine.

According to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the operation marked the first time a NATO member had engaged Russian targets directly in the ongoing war with Ukraine. He described the drone incursion as a “large-scale provocation,” though he reassured that there was no immediate threat of war.

What happened:

• Approximately 19 drones penetrated Polish airspace during the Russian attack on Ukraine.

• Polish F-16 jets, backed by NATO allies including Dutch F-35s and Italian AWACS aircraft, intercepted the drones.

• At least three drones were confirmed shot down, and possibly a fourth. Drone debris was later recovered across eastern regions, as well as one found near Lodz province, further inland.

• Poland activated NATO’s Article 4, which mandates consultations when a member perceives its security is threatened.

Russia’s response:
The Kremlin declined to comment, stating the matter falls under the purview of the Russian defense ministry. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed EU and NATO accusations as “routine” and lacking substantive evidence.

Ukraine’s reaction:
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the incident as a “dangerous precedent for Europe.” He urged greater international cooperation to deter further aggression and underscored the need for a united front.

Broader significance:

• This incident represents a serious escalation: Russian drone activity has now spilled over into NATO airspace.

• Poland’s invocation of Article 4 underscores growing alarm and the heightened risk of regional instability.

• Leaders across NATO and the EU condemned the violation, with calls for intensified sanctions on Russia and strengthened collective defense.