WARSAW, Poland — Polish military officials confirmed Wednesday that fighter jets intercepted and destroyed several Russian drones that entered national airspace during nighttime attacks on Ukraine.
According to authorities, 19 drones crossed into Poland between late Tuesday and early Wednesday. At least eight were neutralized by F-16 aircraft supported by NATO allies. Debris landed in several locations, including the village of Wyryki-Kolonia, where one drone struck a house. No injuries were reported.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the breach a deliberate act of hostility and requested urgent NATO consultations under Article 4. Flights at major airports, including Warsaw, Rzeszów, and Lublin, were temporarily suspended during the defensive operations.
NATO described the event as unprecedented, noting it marked the first direct confrontation between alliance forces and Russian equipment over European territory since the conflict began. Moscow denied intentionally targeting Poland, citing technical malfunctions as the cause.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the incident a serious escalation and urged a strong international response. European leaders also condemned the incursion, with some pressing for stricter sanctions on Russia.
Recovery and investigative operations are ongoing, and Poland has increased aerial patrols while remaining on high alert for further incursions.
