Polish PM Warns Europe: Military Conflict Closer Than at Any Time Since WWII

World 12:20 PM - 2025-09-10

Donald Tusk, Polish PM.

Poland confirmed that it shot down multiple Russian drones that entered its airspace during a large-scale Russian strike on Ukraine. The incident marks the first known instance of a NATO member engaging militarily in the Ukraine conflict.

Drone Incursions and Response

According to Polish officials, over a dozen drones crossed into eastern Poland while Russia conducted attacks in western Ukraine. Polish air defence forces intercepted the drones, with support from NATO fighter jets, including Dutch F-35s, and German Patriot missile systems.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incursions as an act of aggression, warning that the prospect of military conflict in Europe is closer than at any time since the Second World War. He announced that Poland had invoked NATO’s Article 4, requesting consultations with alliance members.

Regional and International Reactions

The drone attacks prompted temporary airport closures in Warsaw and Lublin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that at least eight drones entered Polish airspace, highlighting the growing risks along NATO’s eastern flank.

European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, expressed solidarity with Poland and condemned the violation as a threat to European security. Analysts warn that the incident could heighten tensions between NATO and Russia.

EU Defence Funding

On the same day, the European Union announced €43.7 billion ($51 billion) in defence funding for Poland under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) fund, the largest share of the €150 billion programme. The allocation will strengthen air and missile defence, artillery, ammunition, drones, anti-drone systems, logistics, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Poland plans to dedicate 4.8% of GDP to defence in 2026.

Sources: Reuters, AP News, The Guardian



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