Poland has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council in response to what it describes as an unprecedented Russian drone attack on its territory.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski told RMF FM radio that the incursion constituted a serious breach of international norms. “We are drawing the world’s attention to this unprecedented Russian drone attack on a member of the UN, EU, and NATO,” he said.
Sikorski stated that Poland had not yet decided who would represent the country at the meeting, but expressed confidence in the effectiveness of its diplomatic efforts. “I have spoken before the UN Security Council in the past, and it seemed to me that our arguments resonated, that they broke through,” he said.
The minister insisted the attack was deliberate, citing 19 violations of Polish airspace, the identification of several dozen drones, and a seven-hour operation during which a number of drones were shot down. “We cannot say it was an accident,” he added.
Sikorski also reported a surge in expressions of support from allied nations, but urged that these be translated into concrete actions. He dismissed suggestions that the drones may have originated from Ukraine, describing such claims as part of a Russian disinformation campaign.
In response to the incident, Polish military personnel are expected to travel to Ukraine for training in counter-drone operations, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters.
‘Poland closer to military conflict’
Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Poland is now closer to military conflict “than at any time since the Second World War”. The government, in coordination with NATO allies, is currently assessing its response to the incursion.
Poland and NATO air defences were activated during the incident, with at least three drones shot down. The attack marks the most significant breach of NATO territory since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago.
