Poland shoots down Putin’s drones and warns it’s ‘closer to conflict than at any time since World War II’
Poland makes ‘world war’ warning after shooting Russian drones
- Poland's air defences were scrambled after 19 Russian projectile UAVs entered its airspace during a major attack on western Ukraine, marking the first time a NATO country has fired bullets in relation to Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the incident brings Poland 'the closest we have been to open conflict since World War II' and has invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, demanding consultation with member states.
- The incursion, which saw at least three drones shot down and debris found across several Polish towns, has drawn fierce condemnation from Kyiv, Warsaw, and NATO allies, who believe it was a deliberate act.
- Washington’s ambassador to NATO vowed the US will defend 'every inch of NATO territory', while British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed the UK's support for Poland and Ukraine.
- Moscow has denied responsibility for the incident, with a senior Russian diplomat suggesting the drones originated from Ukraine, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claiming 'increasing evidence' of deliberate targeting.