Summary
Poland reported that Russian drones entered its airspace during a wave of attacks on Ukraine and were shot down with NATO's help. Russia denied targeting Poland, suggesting the drones went off course, while Polish and several European leaders viewed the incident as a deliberate act by Russia. NATO addressed the incident, highlighting it as a significant threat in its airspace due to the number and origin of the drones.
Key Facts
- Poland stated that Russian drones violated its airspace and were shot down with NATO assistance.
- Russia claimed it did not intend to target Poland, suggesting the drones were off course.
- The drones are believed to have originated from Belarus where military exercises were beginning.
- Poland recorded 19 airspace violations over seven hours and found eight crash sites.
- Dutch fighter jets assisted in intercepting some of the drones.
- NATO discussed the event, marking it as a significant airspace threat.
- Some European leaders, including from France and the Czech Republic, condemned the escalation.
- The incident was viewed as the most serious violation of European airspace by Russia since the invasion of Ukraine began.
