Poland shoots down Russian drones in NATO airspace – crisis meeting underway

8:56 a.m.: According to the Polish government, the drones shot down in the airspace over Poland originated from Russia. Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed this. He stated that it was the first time Russian drones had been shot down over NATO territory. All allies took the incident very seriously. He called it a "provocation of great proportions."

8:24 a.m.: Planes can take off and land again at Warsaw Chopin Airport, Poland's largest airport. Several flights were diverted to other airports in the country. This morning, the military leadership announced the end of this measure. However, travelers should expect delays until operations return to normal.

Flight operations have also resumed at other airports in the country that were initially closed, including Lublin in eastern Poland.

7:55 a.m.: Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on Platform X that he had informed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about the situation and the Polish reactions. "We are in constant contact," he wrote.

According to the Warsaw Ministry of Defense, all ministries responsible for the country's security were to participate in the special session.

President Karol Nawrocki announced a meeting of the Security Council and wrote on X that he had participated in a meeting of the Armed Forces' Operational Command. "The security of our country is our highest priority and requires close cooperation," wrote the national conservative president.

6:57 a.m.: According to the Polish Army, more than a dozen drones have entered the airspace over Poland. "This is an act of aggression that posed a real threat to the security of the population," the Armed Forces High Command said in a statement on X.

6:50 a.m.: The Polish government has called an emergency cabinet meeting for 8:00 a.m.

6:00 a.m.: During Russian airstrikes against Ukraine, the Polish Air Force destroyed drones that had entered the NATO country's airspace. The High Command of the Armed Forces on X announced this. "The operation to identify and neutralize the targets is still ongoing," it said. The population was urged to stay home and follow the authorities' announcements.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X that weapons had been used against the aircraft. He said he was in constant contact with the military leadership, the defense minister, and the president.

Following reports of Russian drones approaching, Polish authorities have closed several airports, including the one in the capital Warsaw. Several media outlets reported this, citing the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A notice to pilots stated that Warsaw Chopin Airport was unavailable "due to unplanned military activities related to ensuring state security."

The airports in Lublin and Rzeszow were also affected. It was initially unclear how many drones were in Polish airspace. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, drones were flying near the Polish border.

In recent weeks, drones have repeatedly entered Polish airspace and crashed. No one was injured. Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz had already stated on Tuesday that the drones could be shot down in the future if it was justifiable.

Poland, an EU and NATO member, is an important political and military ally of Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia. The country also serves as a central logistical hub for Western military aid to Kyiv. Poland also feels threatened by Russia itself and is massively rearming.