NATO does not consider the drone incursion into Polish territory as an attack, reported a NATO source to Reuters, adding that initial data indicates a deliberate incursion of six to ten Russian drones.
"This was the first instance where NATO aircraft engaged with a potential threat in allied airspace," said the source, adding that NATO's Patriot air defense systems in the region detected the drones with their radars but did not engage them.
According to the source, the night operation involved Polish F-16 fighters, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS reconnaissance aircraft, and air refueling planes jointly operated by NATO.
NATO is closely consulting with Poland after the drones that invaded Polish airspace were shot down during the Russian attack on western Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte "is in contact with the Polish leadership," Alliance representatives reported.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Poland has requested to invoke Article 4 of the NATO treaty and is consulting with allies on strengthening Poland's air defense system.
"The shooting down of these drones, which posed a security threat, has changed the political situation. Therefore, consultations with allies have taken the form of an official request to invoke Article 4 of the NATO treaty," Reuters quotes Tusk.
The Prime Minister of Poland also stated that Poland needs not only expressions of solidarity but also more active support from allies.
Tusk added that there is no basis to claim that Poland is at war, but it is in a situation closest to armed conflict since World War II. He clarified that 19 incursions into Polish airspace were recorded overnight and that most of the drones came from Belarus.
President of Poland Karol Nawrocki decided to convene a meeting of the National Security Council within 48 hours.
President of France Emmanuel Macron stated that the drone incursion into Polish airspace is "simply unacceptable," adding that he will speak with NATO head Mark Rutte soon. "We will not compromise on the security of our allies," Macron wrote on social network X.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the Russian drones in Poland "reckless and unprecedented violations."
"Russia's war is escalating, not ending. We must raise the cost for Moscow, strengthen support for Ukraine, and invest in Europe's defense," wrote EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas in a post on X.
Photo: Reuters