Russian drones violate Polish airspace, airports shut down amid NATO response

On the night of September 10, Russian attack drones entered Polish airspace during a large-scale strike on Ukraine, prompting emergency security measures.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, over 10 Shahed drones crossed the border and moved toward Zamość, just 60 km from Ukraine. Poland’s Armed Forces confirmed that fighter jets, air defence, and radar systems were activated. Flightradar24 data also showed F-35 jets in the skies.

For several hours, four major airports – Rzeszów, Lublin, Warsaw, and Modlin – were closed due to the threat. Poland’s Operational Command said the highest risk was in the Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin regions.

By morning, the Polish military announced drones violating its airspace had been shot down, with NATO and Dutch aircraft taking part in the operation.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk informed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, while leaders across Europe – including Sweden, Latvia, and Norway – condemned the incursion. US lawmakers labeled the attack a potential act of war, calling for tougher sanctions and expanded military aid to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s drone attacks on Poland created an “extremely dangerous precedent for Europe,” stressing that at least eight drones had entered NATO territory during the night.