Polish officials said its military shot down Russian drones that violated its airspace during an attack in western Ukraine.

“Over Poland, an operation to neutralize objects that have violated and exceeded the border of the Republic of Poland is underway. The state authorities, namely the President of the Republic of Poland and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, have been notified,” Poland’s Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said.

“All services are in action. We ask you to follow the announcements of the Polish Army and the Police,” he added.

“I received a report from the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces Branches regarding the downing of drones that intruded into our airspace and could have posed a threat. The operation is ongoing,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.

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Poland’s Operational Command of the Armed Forces linked the drone incursion of its airspace to an attack on neighboring Ukraine by Russian forces.

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“As a result of the attack by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian territory, there was an unprecedented violation of Polish airspace by drone-type objects,” the Command wrote on X. “This is an act of aggression that posed a real threat to the safety of our citizens.”

The Operational Command said it activated “defensive procedures” and, with the help of the Polish Armed Forces “made decisions to neutralize those that could pose a threat.”

“Some of the drones that entered our airspace were shot down. Efforts are underway to search for and locate the possible crash sites of these objects,” the Command wrote. “The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces is monitoring the current situation, and Polish and allied forces and assets remain fully prepared for further actions.”

“Over Poland, an operation is underway to neutralize objects that have violated the RP border. The President and the Prime Minister have been informed. All services are operational. We ask for compliance with the announcements of the Polish Army and Police. Aircraft have used weapons against hostile objects,” Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said.

“We are in constant contact with NATO command. The Territorial Defense Forces have been activated for ground searches of downed drones. We ask for calm and to share only the announcements of the military and state services. In case of encountering object fragments, please do not approach them and inform the police,” he added.

Axios reported on the response from American officials:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CNN that he’s been briefed on the reports.

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on X accused Russia of attacking Poland “less than a week after President Trump hosted” Polish President Karol Nawrocki at the White House.

“This is an act of war, and we are grateful to NATO allies for their swift response to war criminal Putin’s continued unprovoked aggression against free and productive nations,” he said.

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“I urge President Trump to respond with mandatory sanctions that will bankrupt the Russian war machine and arm Ukraine with weapons capable of striking Russia,” Wilson added.

“Putin is no longer content just losing in Ukraine while bombing mothers and babies, he is now directly testing our resolve in NATO territory.”

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said on CNN he hadn’t been briefed on the matter, but it “would be incredibly serious if there were Russian aerial assets flying over a NATO country.”

 

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