Poland engages drones violating airspace; says it is in contact with NATO

Poland confirmed that drones repeatedly entered its airspace overnight during Russia’s large-scale attacks on Ukraine, with the military using weapons against the objects and authorities urging residents in several regions to stay indoors.

Poland’s Operational Command said early Wednesday local time that an operation was underway to identify and neutralize the drones, with units “actively working to locate the downed objects.” It said Polish and allied aircraft were patrolling the skies and that ground-based air defenses and radar systems had reached their highest level of readiness.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that weapons had been used against the drones and said he was in constant contact with the president and defense minister. He added that he had received a direct report from the operational commander overseeing the response.

Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Polish aircraft had “used weapons against hostile objects” and that Warsaw was in constant contact with NATO command. He added that the country’s Territorial Defense Forces were activated to carry out ground searches for downed drones.

Defense officials urged residents in Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lubelskie provinces to remain at home while operations continued.

Ukraine’s air force had earlier warned that Russian drones crossed into Polish territory, putting the city of Zamość, about 40 miles from the border, under threat. The report came as Ukrainian officials tracked waves of drones launched by Russia.

Polish authorities also closed Rzeszów Airport in the east, a key logistics hub for Western military aid to Ukraine, and restricted the airspace over Warsaw, citing “unplanned military activity related to ensuring state security.” NOTAM advisories said both control zones were unavailable until further notice.

The Operational Command said the situation continues to be monitored and that forces remain fully prepared to respond.