Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a coordinated European air-defence effort following multiple incursions by Russian drones into Polish airspace on 10 September.
He said Kyiv has presented partners with a practical plan to defend European skies and offered Warsaw technology, crew training and intelligence support, arguing that only joint action can deter further escalations.
Poland reported 19 airspace violations over roughly seven hours, saying several drones were neutralised with support from allied aircraft. The government characterised the incident as an “act of aggression” and requested NATO consultations under Article 4. Polish authorities later said debris was found across several locations; no casualties were reported.
NATO said its air defences were activated and fighter jets were scrambled in response to the breach, which officials described as unprecedented in the context of Russia’s war on Ukraine. The alliance did not invoke Article 5. The United States and European allies expressed solidarity with Poland while investigations continued.
In his nightly address, Zelenskyy criticised what he termed a gap between rhetoric and tangible measures, stating that “there are more than enough statements, but there remains a shortage of actions.” He said Ukraine has long urged a continental “air shield” and reiterated that European forces acting together could provide the necessary protection.
Zelenskyy also said at least eight Iranian-designed Shahed drones were aimed towards Poland during Russia’s mass strike overnight, which Kyiv described as one of the largest aerial attacks of the war. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting the majority of drones and missiles launched against its territory.
Moscow denied targeting Poland and suggested the drones may have come from the direction of Ukraine. Belarus, a Russian ally, said some drones strayed due to electronic jamming and claimed its defences downed several over Belarusian territory, while Poland said those posing a direct threat on its side were shot down.
The incident came as Russia and Belarus prepare for the “Zapad-2025” exercises, due to run in mid-September in Belarus. Zelensky warned that recent activity may be part of a broader training plan and said Russia is testing the limits of possible responses, including how NATO forces operate under pressure.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament the episode puts Poland at its closest point to open conflict since the Second World War, while also emphasising there is no immediate indication of a direct path to war. He said the request for Article 4 consultations was intended to coordinate allied responses and strengthen deterrence.
NATO’s Secretary-General, Mark Rutte, said the alliance ensured the defence of Polish airspace during the incident, adding that an investigation is ongoing. Article 4 obliges allies to consult when a member perceives a threat to its security; it does not trigger collective defence measures.
Ukraine has urged neighbouring countries to use their air defences to intercept aerial targets approaching allied borders, arguing that a coordinated approach would prevent spillover and signal resolve. Kyiv’s proposal to assist Poland includes technology support, training for air-defence crews and sharing of operational intelligence.
European governments condemned the airspace violations and said they were ready to bolster Poland’s air defences. Analysts noted the episode could be intended to probe NATO’s detection and response timelines, while underscoring the growing role of drones in cross-border security risks.
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