On the night of September 9-10, 2025, Poland experienced an unprecedented attack when at least 19 Russian military drones entered its airspace from the direction of Russia and Belarus. Polish and NATO forces swiftly mobilized, shooting down multiple drones to protect Polish territory. Airports in Warsaw, Modlin, Lublin, and Rzeszów were temporarily closed for security reasons. This marked the first direct engagement of NATO territory by Russian drones since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
In response to this violation and escalation, Poland formally invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty. This article allows member countries to request consultations with other allies when they believe their territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that this move signals Poland’s demand for solidarity and collective action within the alliance to deter further Russian aggression. NATO promptly convened to discuss the situation and reaffirmed its commitment to defend every inch of allied territory.
This situation marks a significant escalation in the conflict spilling over from Ukraine, underscoring the important role of NATO’s collective defense mechanism in maintaining security and stability in the region.
No casualties were reported during the drone incursions, though one drone struck a residential building in eastern Poland causing material damage. Polish and allied forces remain on high alert as investigations and defensive measures continue.
This incident highlights the heightened tensions in Eastern Europe and the critical importance of NATO’s rapid response capacity in protecting its members.