Poland invokes NATO Article 4 and warns ‘we’re closer to armed conflict than any time since WWII’
Poland is facing its most serious threat of armed conflict since the Second World War, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned, following a significant violation of the country’s airspace by Russian drones.
Speaking after an emergency security meeting on Wednesday morning, Tusk confirmed that a “huge number” of Russian drones entered Polish airspace overnight during a large-scale Russian assault on western Ukraine. Polish air defenses and NATO aircraft responded immediately to the incursion.

According to Tusk, 19 aerial objects crossed into Polish territory, with many of the drones believed to have originated from Belarus. Three drones were shot down, and debris—believed to be from drones or drone-like devices—was found in the villages of Czosnówka, Cześniki, Wyryki, and Mniszków. No injuries have been reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there is “increasing evidence” suggesting Poland may have been deliberately targeted. Polish and EU leaders have also indicated that the breach appears intentional.
In response, Tusk has invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which calls for consultations among member states when a country’s security is threatened. Poland’s allies have condemned the airspace violation, underscoring growing concerns about regional stability.
