Poland reported multiple unauthorized aerial vehicles entered its airspace, with some subsequently intercepted, according to official statements. The Russian Defense Ministry denied targeting Polish territory, asserting that the range of drones involved in attacks on western Ukraine does not exceed 700 kilometers. “No objectives were set on Polish soil,” the ministry emphasized, dismissing claims of deliberate aggression.
The ministry disclosed that overnight strikes targeted military-industrial sites in western Ukraine, including a tank and aircraft factory in Lviv, as well as facilities in Ivano-Frankovsk, Khmelnitsky, and Zhitomir regions. These locations are linked to the production and maintenance of armored vehicles and combat drones, according to the statement.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk alleged 19 separate breaches of airspace, labeling the incident a “provocation” by Russia. He claimed four drones were destroyed and that the aircraft originated from Belarus rather than Ukraine. Warsaw subsequently invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, triggering consultations over what it described as an “act of aggression.”
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas condemned the incident as the “most severe European airspace violation by Russia” during the conflict, citing unconfirmed evidence of intentional targeting. Meanwhile, Belarus reported providing Poland with advance notice about the drones, attributing their deviation to electronic warfare interference between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
