In a dramatic escalation of tensions on NATO’s eastern flank, Poland shot down multiple Russian drones that had crossed into its airspace early Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The incident, which saw drones crash across eastern Poland—including a direct hit on a pensioner’s home—has prompted a flurry of military reinforcements from NATO allies and reignited fears of a broader conflict spilling over from the war in Ukraine. The United Nations Security Council is set to convene on Friday to address the unprecedented incursion, as European leaders call for a coordinated response to what many see as a deliberate Russian provocation.
The sequence of events began in the early hours, when Polish air defenses, supported by NATO aircraft—including Polish F-16s, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS surveillance planes, and mid-air refueling craft—scrambled to intercept and destroy drones entering from the direction of Ukraine. According to Reuters, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament, “It’s the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two,” though he tempered his warning by adding, “I have no reason to believe we’re on the brink of war.”
One of the drones crashed into the two-story brick house of Tomasz Wesolowski in the village of Wyryki-Wola at 6:30 a.m., destroying the roof and scattering debris across the bedroom. Wesolowski, who was watching news of the incursion at the time, told Reuters his house “needs to be demolished.” Other drones left blackened impact sites in fields across southeastern Poland, and authorities reported finding drone wreckage scattered over a wide area—a stark illustration of the reach and potential danger posed by these unmanned weapons.
Poland’s Ministry of Defense reported that 19 objects entered its airspace during a large Russian air attack on Ukraine, and those posing a threat were shot down. Several airports, including Rzeszow—the main NATO hub for arms shipments to Ukraine—were temporarily closed, and the Polish Armed Forces urged residents in three eastern regions to stay home. The incident marked the first time a NATO member has fired in defense of its territory since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, according to BBC.
International reaction was swift. The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, France, and Britain all pledged military support to bolster Poland’s defenses. Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz detailed the offers: “The Dutch are going to deploy air defense systems, artillery, and 300 troops; the Czech will send helicopters and 100 soldiers; the French and British could deploy aircraft to secure NATO’s eastern flank.” France’s President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of three Rafale fighter jets to protect Polish airspace, declaring, “We will not yield to Russia’s growing intimidation.” Germany committed to intensify engagement along NATO’s eastern border and expand air policing over Poland, while Lithuania prepared to receive a German brigade and improved early-warning systems for Russian attacks that could cross its borders.
Meanwhile, Latvia announced the closure of its eastern airspace for a week, starting September 11, in solidarity and as a precaution. Poland also imposed restrictions on drones and small air traffic along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine. The moves reflect a growing sense of urgency among NATO’s eastern members, who have repeatedly warned that their proximity to the conflict in Ukraine makes them vulnerable to spillover incidents.
Notably, the suspected drones included Gerbera models—a cheap, long-range drone reportedly assembled from kits supplied by Chinese manufacturer Skywalker Technology at Russia’s Yelabuga facility, according to a Polish army official cited by Reuters. While Russian drones and missiles have previously strayed into NATO countries, the scale and intensity of this incident are without precedent since the Ukraine war began.
Russia, for its part, denied any deliberate incursion. Moscow’s Defense Ministry claimed its drones targeted military facilities in western Ukraine and had not intended to strike Poland. A senior Russian diplomat in Poland suggested the drones came from the direction of Ukraine, and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Western accusations as routine provocations. Andrey Ordash, Russia’s charge d’affaires in Poland, called the allegations “groundless” and said Poland had not provided evidence that the drones were Russian in origin.
Yet many European leaders remain unconvinced. Polish President Karol Nawrocki described the incursion as “nothing more than an attempt to test our capabilities,” echoing similar sentiments from French and German officials. NATO’s top military commander, Alexus Grynkewich, acknowledged that it was not yet clear whether the act was intentional, nor the exact number of drones that crossed into Polish airspace, but emphasized the seriousness of the breach.
In response, Poland has requested a UN Security Council session, scheduled for Friday, September 12, at 19:00 GMT. Several countries—including Slovenia, Denmark, Greece, France, and Britain—have backed Poland’s call, demanding a robust international response to what they see as Russian violations of Polish sovereignty. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for increased sanctions on Russia, specifically targeting “shadow fleet” tankers transporting Russian oil and third countries buying it.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after speaking with Tusk and other European leaders, offered to provide guidance and training to Western military representatives on defending against Russian aerial attacks. He also renewed his call for a joint air defense system to serve as an “air shield” over Europe, arguing that Russia’s “insolent” behavior demands a unified response.
The timing of the drone incursion has further heightened anxiety, coming just as Belarus and Russia prepare to launch major joint military exercises—dubbed Zapad 2025—on Friday. Poland has announced the closure of its border with Belarus for “national security reasons,” citing the “very aggressive” nature of the Zapad maneuvers. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that the closure would “cause serious damage” to businesses and freedom of movement, urging Warsaw to reconsider. While previous Zapad drills involved up to 200,000 troops, Lithuanian intelligence estimates this year’s exercise will be smaller, with about 30,000 participants.
Amid these developments, U.S. President Donald Trump’s response has been notably restrained. He posted on social media, “What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!” but offered no further comment. Trump did, however, speak with President Nawrocki, with both leaders reaffirming unity among allies. European leaders, meanwhile, have pressed Trump to join them in tightening sanctions on Russia and increasing support for Kyiv. Trump has indicated he is ready to move to a new phase of sanctions after months of peace talks with Moscow, according to Reuters.
While the region has seen previous incidents—such as the 2022 tragedy in which a Ukrainian air defense missile killed two people in Poland—nothing on this scale has occurred since NATO’s founding in 1949. Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows any member to request consultations when its security is threatened, has now been activated for the seventh time, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
As leaders prepare for the Security Council meeting, one thing is clear: the drone incursion has jolted NATO and its eastern members, exposing vulnerabilities and prompting a rapid, coordinated response. Whether this will deter further provocations or mark the start of a more dangerous phase in the region’s security crisis remains to be seen.
