NATO Allies Join Poland in Downing Russian Drones That Entered Polish Airspace During Barrage Against Ukraine

Latest Developments

NATO Allies Intercept Russian Drones: NATO forces intercepted more than a dozen armed Russian drones that entered Polish airspace on September 10 during an overnight attack on Ukraine involving more than 400 drones. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO forces involved in the defense of Poland included Polish F-16s and Dutch F-35 fighters, as well as German Patriot air defense systems and an Italian Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) aircraft. In addition to the NATO forces involved in the operation, there are roughly 10,000 American troops stationed in Poland, including a rotational armored brigade combat team as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
‘Closest to Open Conflict Since World War Two’: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told Polish lawmakers that there were 19 intrusions into Polish airspace that had entered from the territory of Russian ally Belarus, calling it “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two” but adding that he “had no reason to believe we’re on the brink of war.” Tusk invoked Article 4 of the NATO Treaty, which triggers a consultation with its NATO members to “exchange views and information, and discuss issues prior to reaching agreement and taking action.” NATO members asserted that the Russian incursion into Polish airspace was deliberate, with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius telling German lawmakers, “there’s definitely no reason to suspect that this was a course correction, a mistake, or anything like that.”
Russia Denies Targeting Poland: Russia denied targeting Poland, saying that the barrage was intended to strike “military targets” in western Ukraine. The incursions were part of a massive Russian barrage that included 415 drones and 43 missiles. While no casualties were reported in Poland, one of the drones hit a house in the village of Wyryki, causing extensive damage, while in Ukraine, the barrage killed one person in the Zhytomyr region and injured three in the Khmelnytski region. The attack came a day after a Russian strike killed 24 elderly people who were waiting to receive their pensions in an eastern Ukrainian village.

FDD Expert Response

“If Washington signals a reduced commitment to NATO and deterrence in Eastern Europe, we should not be surprised if Russian President Vladimir Putin views that as a green light for additional aggression, adopts an even more assertive approach, and probes for weaknesses to exploit. There is a window of vulnerability right now in Eastern Europe and Ukraine, even as our European allies are moving in the right direction and beginning to shoulder more of the burden but need time to build their strength. Washington’s political and military commitments to Eastern European security are particularly important and potentially decisive in the next few years.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power

“This is nothing new, as Russia has been engaged in sabotage attacks against the West for a long time. Putin’s ultimate goal is to show that the West and NATO are paper tigers. Trained as a KGB operative, Putin is well-versed in deception. Russia has a track record of shadow aggression against the United States and its allies, and President Trump has cards to play: Strong sanctions, more weapons to Ukraine, and making public any intelligence about the Kremlin’s sabotage plots.” — Ivana Stradner, Research Fellow

“President Tusk is correct that ‘a line has been crossed.’ Putin is up to his old tricks, pressuring Poland and trying to expose NATO as feckless. The United States should condemn this and be careful to avoid any weak moves like removing forces from Eastern Europe. President Trump should also call ‘time’s up’ on Putin and begin serious sanctions on countries illegally receiving Russian oil and gas.” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

“This provocation is all the more reason why President Trump should immediately ramp up the economic pressure on Russia, starting by imposing tougher sanctions targeting Moscow’s oil export revenue. Washington should also untie Ukraine’s hands regarding strikes in Russia using American missiles and targeting data and should provide Kyiv with additional long-range missiles — including ones that can range key military-industrial sites deep within Russian territory.” — John Hardie, Russia Program Deputy Director