Poland Shoots Down Russian Drones, NATO Scrambles Aircraft Amid Escalation

Poland experienced an unprecedented violation of its airspace during a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine, marking the first time since the war began that it has shot down military aircraft entering its territory. The Polish military, with support from NATO allies including F-35 fighters from the Royal Netherlands Air Force, intercepted and downed multiple Russian drones, some of which crashed in Polish territory, with one hitting a residential building but causing no casualties. In response, Poland's government convened emergency meetings, closed airspace over key airports, and urged citizens in eastern regions near the Ukrainian border to stay indoors for safety. Ukrainian officials condemned the incursion as an escalation by Russia, with calls for stronger Western defense measures to protect Ukraine’s skies. The air defense efforts demonstrated high effectiveness, with Ukraine's forces neutralizing hundreds of drones and missiles during the attacks, while Poland and NATO continue investigations and crash site searches. Polish leaders emphasized the seriousness of the breach and the need for close cooperation with NATO to safeguard national and regional security.