Donald Trump has reacted after Russian drones entered Polish air space in an unprecedented incursion into Nato territory.
Taking to Truth Social, the US president said: "What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!"
Polish air defences and Nato aircraft sprung into action overnight after 19 objects intruded Polish airspace including drones entering from Belarus, said prime minister Donald Tusk. There have been no injury reports and Moscow has so far denied responsibility for the incident.
Poland’s president Karol Nawrocki spoke to Trump among other Nato allies in talks that “confirmed unity,” he said. As European and Nato countries rally to Poland’s defence, the US has vowed that it will help defend Nato territory following the incursion.
The US would defend “every inch of Nato territory”, Washington’s ambassador to Nato Matthew Whitaker said.
Prime minister Donald Tusk activated Article 4 of the Nato treaty, demanding discussion with its member states, as he said Poland was closer to conflict than it had ever been since the Second World War.
Key Points
- Poland closest to conflict since WWII after 19 drone incursions, says PM
- Moscow says it did not plan to hit any targets in Poland
- Mapped: Where has Russian drone debris been found in Poland?
- Nato not treating drone incursion as a Russian attack
- Apparent drone hits residential building in eastern Poland
- Poland shoots down Russian drones in its airspace for the first time
In pictures: Polish police and military figures clear up debris from Russian attack
23:00
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Bryony Gooch
Comment: Hitting Poland with drones is just the start – these countries will worry about what comes next
22:00
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Bryony Gooch
The Nato response to Russian drones targeting Poland must go beyond diplomatic disapproval – and result in real action, writes Keir Giles. Failure to do so will encourage Putin to test the West’s resolve in yet more countries.
Read more here:
Macron says he and Trump discussed Russia and Middle East concerns over phone call
21:53
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Bryony Gooch
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said he spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump on a phone call and shared concerns about the situation in the Middle East in the aftermath of Israeli strikes in Qatar.
The two leaders also spoke about developments in Russia's "war of aggression against Ukraine," particularly following Russian drone incursions into Poland, Macron said in an X post.
"Close cooperation between Europeans and Americans is crucial on each of these fronts," Macron said.
Pictured: A damaged drone lies after falling in the eastern Polish village of Czosnowka
21:20
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Bryony Gooch
Polish president speaks to Trump:
21:05
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Bryony Gooch
Polish president Karol Nawrocki has spoken to President Trump to “confirm allied unity” after Russia violated Polish airspace.
He said: “Just a moment ago, I spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the repeated violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones, which occurred last night. The conversation is part of a series of consultations I am conducting with our allies. Today’s talks confirmed allied unity.”
Przed chwilą rozmawiałem telefonicznie z Prezydentem USA Donaldem Trumpem na temat wielokrotnego naruszenia polskiej przestrzeni powietrznej przez rosyjskie drony, do którego doszło dziś w nocy.
— Karol Nawrocki (@NawrockiKn) September 10, 2025
Rozmowa wpisuje się w szereg konsultacji prowadzonych przeze mnie z naszymi… pic.twitter.com/BuqwXuiWL0
The Independent View: Why Russian drones over Poland are so dangerous for the world
21:00
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Bryony Gooch
“The violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones is rightly described as having brought the Eastern European country closer to conflict than at any time since the Second World War. There can be no substitute for collective security – with or without Donald Trump.”
Read more here:
Ukraine offers Poland assistance with dealing with 'shaheds'
20:40
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Bryony Gooch
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said he offered Polish prime minister Donald Tusk assistance following Russia’s incursion in Polish airspace.
He said he offered “assistance, training, and expertise in shooting down Russian drones, particularly ‘shaheds’.
“Donald and I agreed on appropriate cooperation at the military level. We will also coordinate with all NATO member states.”
Watch: Why Russian drones over Poland are so dangerous for the world
20:20
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Bryony Gooch
Poland received offers of support for its air defence, PM says
20:00
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Bryony Gooch
Poland has received offers of support for its air defence from its European allies, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said after talking to leaders of France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Ukraine and NATO.
"In my conversations today... I received not only expressions of solidarity with Poland, but above all proposals for concrete support for the air defence of our country," Tusk wrote on X after Poland shot down suspected Russian drones in its airspace on Wednesday.
Poland shoots down Putin’s drones and warns it’s ‘closer to conflict than any time since World War 2’
19:40
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Bryony Gooch
Poland has warned it is closer to conflict than at any point since World War 2 after after Russian drones entered its airspace in an unprecedented incursion into Nato territory.
Polish air defences were scrambled after 19 projectiles drones entered its airspace during a major attack on western Ukraine, prime minister Donald Tusk said.
It marks the first time a Nato country has fired any bullets in relation to Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine since it began in 2022. Mr Tusk has invoked Article 4 of the Nato treaty, demanding consultation with its member states.
Read more here:
Zelensky: We have to create an effective air shield over Europe
19:20
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Bryony Gooch
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that an incursion into Poland by Russian drones meant Europe had to work on creating a joint air defence and an "effective air shield."
"We need to work on a joint system of air defence and create an effective air shield over Europe," Zelensky wrote on Telegram after speaking by telephone to Polish prime minister Donald Tusk, NATO secretary general Mark Rutte and other European leaders.
"Ukraine proposed this a long time ago. There are concrete decisions on this. We must react together to all current challenges and be prepared for potential threats to all Europeans in the future."
Starmer has spoken to leaders of Poland, Ukraine, Italy and Nato
19:00
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Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with leaders of Ukraine, Poland, Italy and NATO to condemn Russia’s violation of Poland’s airspace.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister spoke to the leaders of Ukraine, Poland and Italy, as well as the NATO Secretary General this afternoon.
“The Prime Minister began by condemning the outrageous violation of Poland’s airspace. This highlighted Russia’s increased recklessness in recent weeks, including their attacks on the Cabinet of Ministers building, British Council and EU Delegation buildings in Kyiv, he added
“Russia’s ongoing aggression was unacceptable and continued to show why President Putin had no interest in peace, the Prime Minister added.
“The UK stood ready to support NATO and Poland to continue to defend the Alliance in the coming days and weeks, while also working with allies to step up support for Ukraine to ensure it had the capability and air defence it required, the Prime Minister said.
“The Secretary General updated on the meeting of the North Atlantic Council earlier today, and the leaders paid tribute to Poland’s swift response to this morning’s events.
“The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.”
Poland downs drones in its airspace, becoming first NATO member to fire during Ukraine war
18:40
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Bryony Gooch
Poland shot down suspected Russian drones in its airspace on Wednesday with the backing of aircraft from its NATO allies, the first time a member of the Western military alliance is known to have fired shots during Russia's war in Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament it was "the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two", though he also said he had "no reason to believe we're on the brink of war".
NATO chief declares solidarity with Poland in new message
18:20
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Bryony Gooch
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte has shared a statement of solidarity with Poland following Russia’s violation of Polish airspace.
“NATO Allies stand in solidarity with Poland & denounce Russia’s reckless behaviour after the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones.
“Allies are resolved to defend every inch of Allied territory. We'll closely monitor the situation, our air defences continually at the ready.”
NATO Allies stand in solidarity with Poland & denounce Russia’s reckless behaviour after the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. Allies are resolved to defend every inch of Allied territory. We'll closely monitor the situation, our air defences continually at the… pic.twitter.com/95ETFO5P5N
— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) September 10, 2025
Russian Foreign Ministry dismisses Polish drone attack allegations as 'myths'
18:00
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Bryony Gooch
Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the facts previously presented by the Russian Defence Ministry effectively debunk what it described as "myths" about Russian drones deliberately crossing into Polish territory.
Russia's Defence Ministry said earlier on Wednesday that its drones had carried out a major attack on military facilities in western Ukraine but stressed that there were no plans to hit any targets in Poland.
The ministry also expressed readiness to hold consultations with its Polish counterpart to address the issue. Russia's Foreign Ministry said it was prepared to take part in such talks.
Watch: Timelapse shows passenger flights diverting after Russian drones enter Polish airspace
17:40
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Bryony Gooch
Trump: 'What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!'
17:20
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Bryony Gooch
US president Donald Trump has issued a statement on Truth Social following Russia’s incursion into Polish airspace.
“What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!”
Trump is set to speak to Poland’s president following the incident.
Merz: 'Nato is ready to defend' after Russian attack
17:00
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Bryony Gooch
German chancellor Friedrich Merz has condemned Russia’s attack on Polish airspace with a statement on X.
“Russia has endangered human lives in a state that belongs to both NATO and the EU. This reckless approach fits into a long chain of provocations in the Baltic Sea region and along NATO's eastern flank,” he said.
“It is good that Poland, together with its NATO allies, was able to recognize and eliminate this danger in a timely manner.
“At Poland's request, the NATO Council has today discussed the Russian approach under Article 4 of the NATO Treaty. NATO is and remains ready to defend.”
Canadian prime minister calls Russian incursion with Polish airspace 'reckless and escalatory'
16:40
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Bryony Gooch
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney on Wednesday condemned Russia's incursion of drones into Polish airspace as "reckless and escalatory" and said Ottawa was closely coordinating with its NATO allies.
Carney said in a statement that the incident showed the need to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war on Ukraine.
"We will remain vigilant against Russia's attempts to widen and prolong the conflict with Ukraine. Putin is demonstrating once again his total disregard for the path of peace," he said.
Canada is one of Kyiv's most vocal defenders internationally and has committed to sending billions of dollars in financial and military aid.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said earlier that the incursion was "yet another horrendous example of Putin’s refusal to seek peace."
Russian drone incursion was deliberate, says Germany
16:20
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Alex Croft
The incursion of Russian drones into Poland was an unacceptable, targeted provocation against Nato, German defence minister Boris Pistorius said on Wednesday, adding he believed it had been a deliberate act.
"There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that these drones accidentally flew over Polish territory on this route," Mr Pistorius told reporters. "This means that we can assume that this was a deliberate action," he said.
Asked how this differed from an attack that could trigger Article 5 of the Nato treaty, he said it was an attack in that it had infringed Polish air space but not in a military sense that anything was destroyed or people killed, as far as he knew.
Mr Pistorius added Nato was united and had a clear but level-headed response. "We are focusing on strength and unity but will not let ourselves be provoked," he said.
Sir Keir Starmer shows support for Poland during PMQs
12:45
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Nicole Wootton-Cane
Sir Keir Starmer has voiced his support to Poland during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday afternoon.
"Last night, Russia launched drones into Poland in an unprecedented attack,” he told MPs.
"I've been in touch with the Polish Prime Minister this morning to make clear our support for Poland, and will stand firm in our support for Ukraine with our partners, and through our leadership of the coalition of the willing, we will continue to ramp up the pressure on Putin until there's a just and lasting peace."
Moscow claims Russian drones downed by Poland came from Ukraine
12:23
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Alex Croft
A Russian diplomat said on Wednesday that drones shot down by Poland in Polish airspace overnight had come from the direction of Ukraine, Russian state news agency RIA reported.
"We know one thing - these drones were flying from the direction of Ukraine," Russia's charge d'affaires in Warsaw, Andrei Ordash, was quoted as saying after leaving the Polish Foreign Ministry.
Poland said a large number of Russian drones had violated its airspace during the incident, and those that posed a direct threat had been shot down.
Villagers report seeing 'police and military everywhere'
12:20
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Nicole Wootton-Cane
Reporters in Poland have been speaking to villagers in Krzywowierzba Kolonia who reported hearing explosions as Poland shot down Russian drones that entered their airspace on Wednesday morning.
"I heard something flying in the morning, so I went outside," village head Rafał Skorupski told Fakt.
"A moment later, there was such a noise that the children were frightened. My wife had to go to the dentist in Włodawa, but the road was blocked. There were police and military police everywhere.”
Drone incursion a matter for the defence ministry, says Kremlin
12:09
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Alex Croft
The Kremlin on Wednesday declined to comment on Poland's statement that it had shot down Russian drones in Polish airspace, saying this was a matter for the defence ministry.
Poland said a large number of Russian drones had violated its airspace during the incident, and those that posed a direct threat had been shot down.
Rutte hails successful defence by Nato
11:56
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Alex Croft
Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte has been speaking to reporters about Russia’s latest incursion into Polish territory.
He hailed what he described as a successful operation to protect Nato territory from the Russian threat, promising to defend every inch of Nato territory.
The move was “absolutely reckless”, he said, adding that Nato would continue to defence its territory, and calling on more investment to deter and defend from the Russian threat.
Starmer condemns 'extremely reckless' Russian violation of Nato airspace
11:49
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Alex Croft
Sir Keir Starmer has hit out at Moscow for its “extremely reckless” violation of Polish and Nato airspace by Russian drones during an air attack on Ukraine.
"This morning's barbaric attack on Ukraine and the egregious and unprecedented violation of Polish and NATO airspace by Russian drones is deeply concerning," Sir Keir said.
"This was an extremely reckless move by Russia and only serves to remind us of (Russian) president (Vladimir) Putin's blatant disregard for peace," he said, adding that he had been in touch with Polish counterpart Donald Tusk on Wednesday to express British support for Poland.
British defence minister John Healey, who was hosting a meeting of the E5 grouping of European nations of Britain, Poland, France, Germany and Italy in London, condemned Russia's action at the start of that meeting.
"We will discuss this morning what additional support we can provide to Poland," Healey said.
Moscow: Poland has not given any evidence that the drones were Russian
11:31
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Alex Croft
A Russian diplomat said on Wednesday that Poland had not given any evidence that the drones shot down in Poland were of Russian origin, Russia's RIA state news agency reported.
"We see the accusations as groundless. No evidence that these drones are of Russian origin has been presented," Andrey Ordash, Russia's charge d'affaires in Poland, was quoted as saying.
No-one is safe in Europe, says Lithuania
11:16
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Alex Croft
Russia's drone incursions into Nato members prove that “no-one is safe in Europe”, Lithuanian foreign affairs minister Kestutis Budrys has said.
"No-one is safe here, no-one is safe in the region, no-one is safe in Europe and within the alliance, because those incidents are very close to the situations when everything is going to escalate," Mr Budrys told Reuters.
There is a risk of Nato escalating into "exchange (of) the use of military power against each other" with Russia, he said, avoiding the use of the word “conflict”.
"We have a strong interest - probably the strongest and biggest one - to avoid these scenarios... Scenarios like we are getting in some situations where we exchange the use of military power against each other", he added.
Nato in close contact with Poland, says military commander
10:43
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Alex Croft
Nato is in close contact with Poland and other allies over drones that entered Polish airspace during a Russian attack in western Ukraine, US Air Force general Alexus Grynkewich, Nato's top military commander, said in a statement on Wednesday.
A Nato spokesperson added that it was the first time its planes had engaged potential threats in Allied airspace.
Mapped: Where has Russian drone debris been found in Poland?
10:36
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Alex Croft
In pictures: Damage to residential building after Russian drone incursion in Poland
10:21
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Alex Croft
As we earlier reported, a drone or drone-like object struck a residential building in Wyryki, eastern Poland, overnight.
Nobody was injured, Polish media reported citing local police.
Pictures of the incident have just come through.
Italy condemns Russian violation of Polish airspace
10:10
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Alex Croft
Italy firmly condemns the violations of Polish airspace by Russian drones, foreign minister Antonio Tajani said on Wednesday.
"The event is very serious and unacceptable, it is an offence to the internal security of the entire euro-atlantic area," Tajani wrote on X.
Tusk: Poland closest to conflict since WWII after 19 drone incursions
09:54
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Alex Croft
We’ve been hearing from Polish prime minister Donald Tusk, who has said that Poland is as close to conflict as it has been since the Second World War.
There were 19 intrusions into Polish airspace overnight with many drones entering from Belarus, Mr Tusk said in parliament, adding that three drones were confirmed to have been shot down, with the fourth being likely.
"The fact that these drones, which posed a security threat, were shot down changes the political situation. Therefore, allied consultations took the form of a formal request to activate Article 4 of the Nato Treaty," said Mr Tusk. Poland needs more than expressions of solidarity, he added.
Article 4 does not invoke a military response, but calls for discussions and consultations between Nato countries after one believes their security is threatened.
Belarus says it shot down drones which went astray due to electronic jamming
09:43
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Alex Croft
Belarus has claimed that it shot down some drones which went astray due to electronic jamming during an exchange of strikes between Russia and Ukraine.
A statement from the military said that Belarus had informed Poland and Lithuania of the approach of the drones.
Belarus Chief of the General Staff Major General Pavel Muraveiko did not say whose drones went astray.
Belarus air defences “continuously tracked UAVs that had lost their track as a result of the impact of the parties' electronic warfare assets” during drone strikes between Ukraine and Russia, Muraveiko said in a statement issued in English.
"Some of the lost drones were destroyed by our country's Air Defence Forces over the territory of the republic," he said.
Watch: Four Ukrainian soldiers return home after being hidden in Russian-occupied hospital for years
09:27
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Alex Croft
Poland calls National Security Council meeting
09:09
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Alex Croft
Polish president Karol Nawrocki decided to call a meeting of the National Security Council within 48 hours as Poland shot down Russian drones that entered its airspace during a widespread Russian attack in western Ukraine.
"...news that we will have full information about what happened in Poland within 48 hours led me to the decision to convene the National Security Council within 48 hours," Karol Nawrocki said adding the situation was unprecedented moment in Nato's and Poland's history.
Europe rallies to Poland's support after Russian drone incursion
08:50
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Alex Croft
We’re getting reaction from across Europe, as countries rally to Poland’s support following the incursion of a number of Russian drones into its territory.
The EU Council’s president Antonio Costa said the blog stands in full solidarity with Poland, adding that the “security of one is the security of all”.
Czech prime minister Petr Fiala echoed these words, adding: “Putin’s regime threatens all of Europe and systematically probes how far it can go. It is reassuring that Poland’s air defence systems responded effectively.”
The incursion is “simply unacceptable”, French president Emmanuel Macron said on X, as he condemned it in the “strongest possible terms”.
The EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas condemned the “most serious European airspace violation by Russia since the war began” and said that “indications suggest it was intentional, not accidental”.
Zelensky: Increasing evidence that Russia deliberately targeted Poland
08:37
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Alex Croft
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasised his belief that Poland was deliberately targeted during a Russian drone attack overnight.
"Increasing evidence indicates that this movement, this direction of strike, was no accident," he wrote on X.
"Ukraine is also ready to help Poland build an effective system of warning and protection against such Russian threats."
Nato is not treating the incursion as a direct attack on one of its members, a source in the military alliance told Reuters.
Poland's 'lame' response to past drone incursions encouraged Russia - military expert
08:34
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Alex Croft
Poland’s “relatively lame” response to previous incidents of Russian drones entering its airspace likely encouraged Russia to divert some drones to Polish airspace, a military analyst has told The Independent.
There have been multiple reports of Russian drones violating Polish airspace in the past week, drawing condemnation from Warsaw, but no fierce military response.
“This has likely encouraged the Russians to continue taking advantage of the situation, as flying through Polish airspace helps Russians to avoid Ukrainian air defences,” said Emil Kastehelmi, military analyst at the Finland-based Black Bird Group.
Despite claims that Ukrainian electronic warfare could be the reason behind drones straying from their route, Mr Kastehelmi believes “at least some level of usage of the Polish airspace has been intentional”.
He added: “Even if it was unintentional, it is still a serious example of Russia's indifference to whether its military operations affect third parties as they conduct strikes in western Ukraine.”
Nato not treating drone incursion as a Russian attack - Reuters
08:19
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Alex Croft
The Nato military alliance is not treating the drone incursion into Polish territory as an attack, a Nato source has told Reuters.
Initial indications suggested an intentional incursion of six to ten Russian drones.
"It was the first time Nato aircraft have engaged potential threats allied airspace," the source said, adding Nato's Patriot air defence systems in the region had detected the drones with their radars but not engaged them.
Polish F-16 fighter jets, Dutch F-35, Italian AWACS surveillance planes and mid-air refueling aircraft jointly operated by Nato were involved in the overnight operation, according to the source.
Analysis | Russian drones shot down by Poland is Nato’s most dangerous test for decades
08:18
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Alex Croft
Poland has called an emergency Nato council meeting after shooting down at least eight Russian drones that entered its airspace in the most dangerous test of the alliance’s resolve in decades.
In calling for the council meeting, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk, who said he was in “constant contact” with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte, was bringing the alliance together to discuss its Article Five - the obligation to defend a member with war.
The move will further test Donald Trump’s loyalty to the West’s most important strategic alliance. He has spent the last seven months in office backing Russia against America’s allies and himself threatened to invade or annex Nato members Canada and Denmark.
The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley writes:
Polish PM chairs emergency meeting
08:14
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Alex Croft
Poland’s prime minister Donald Tusk is chairing an emergency meeting with leading figures in the government and military.
He says Poland is ready to react to any attacks and provocations by the Russian military.
The violation of Poland’s airspace was likely a large-scale provocation, he added.
Drone parts found near cemetery in south-eastern Poland
08:09
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Alex Croft
Drone components have been found near a cemetery in the town of Czesniki, south-eastern Poland, Polish local prosecutor's office said in a statement on Wednesday.
No one was injured in the attack according to the findings so far, the office added.
Russia fired 'huge numbers' of drones at Poland, says PM Tusk
07:59
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Alex Croft
Polish prime minister Donald Tusk has said Russia fired a “huge number” of drones into Polish airspace overnight.
“Last night the Polish airspace was violated by a huge number of Russian drones. Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down,” he wrote on X.
He added that he is in “constant communication” with Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte.
At least 8 Russian drones targeted Poland - Zelensky
07:34
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Alex Croft
Volodymyr Zelensky has said at least eight Russian strike drones were aimed at Poland in an attack which can not be described as an accident.
“Moscow always pushes the boundaries of what is possible, and if it does not encounter a strong reaction, it remains at the new level of escalation,” he said, adding that ti was “not just one ‘Shahed’ [drone] that could be called an accident, but at least eight strike drones aimed toward Poland.”
The Ukrainian president added that this sets an “extremely dangerous precedent for Europe” and demanded that Russia “feel the consequences” of the attack.
Rescuers are now working in Volochysk, Khmelnytskyi region, where the Russians struck an ordinary sewing workshop with a missile. As of now, three people are reported injured. This is just one of the sites of today’s massive Russian attack: about 415 drones of various types and… pic.twitter.com/FdC880IDwn
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 10, 2025
In pictures: Emergency meeting between Polish government and army figures
07:29
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Alex Croft
Drone struck a residential building in eastern Poland – report
07:17
,
Arpan Rai
A drone struck a residential building in Wyryki eastern Poland but nobody was injured, private broadcaster Polsat News reported this morning citing local police.
Poland shot down drones that entered its airspace during a widespread Russian attack in western Ukraine on Wednesday, with the Nato member calling the incu