Poland and NATO shoot down drones after Russian strike on Ukraine

Poland's military and NATO allies shot down multiple drones that entered Polish airspace during a large Russian strike on Ukraine early Wednesday, in what Warsaw called an act of aggression that brought the region perilously close to open conflict. The incursions, which Polish officials said occurred overnight, prompted the temporary closure of airports, raised national alert levels and prompted Poland to request consultations under NATO's Article 4.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament that "a huge number" of drone type objects violated Polish airspace and that those posing a direct threat were intercepted. He said at least three drones were shot down by Polish and allied fighter jets, and cautioned that figures could change as investigations continue. Poland's military command said radars tracked more than 10 objects and that operations against violations had concluded. Police and emergency services reported finding debris from 16 drones and part of a missile across eastern and central provinces, including Lubelskie, Mazowieckie, Łódzkie and Świętokrzyskie. One drone damaged a residential building in the village of Wyryki; authorities reported no fatalities.