Poland Shoots Down Russian Drones, Kremlin Declines Comment

Poland confirmed on Wednesday that it shot down Russian drones violating its airspace, supported by NATO military aircraft. This marks the first time a NATO member has directly fired during Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The incident is being described as one of the most serious escalations since the conflict began.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the drone intrusion a “large-scale provocation” and warned it was the closest Europe has been to direct conflict since World War II. However, he reassured citizens that Poland has “no reason to believe we’re on the brink of war.” The coordinated response with NATO allies underscores the alliance’s readiness to defend member states against potential Russian aggression.

The Kremlin responded cautiously, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov refusing to directly address the incident. He stated that any comments on the matter fall under the jurisdiction of Russia’s defense ministry, which has not yet issued a statement. Peskov also noted that Moscow had not received any communication from Poland regarding the drone shootdowns.

At the same time, Peskov dismissed accusations from the European Union and NATO, claiming Western leaders accuse Russia of provocations “on a daily basis” without evidence. Despite growing tensions, the Kremlin maintained that it does not view the situation as an immediate crisis.

The incident highlights increasing risks of escalation as Russian military operations in Ukraine spill over into neighboring territories. With NATO directly engaging Russian drones for the first time, the confrontation signals a dangerous shift in regional security dynamics. Observers warn that continued provocations could further strain relations between Moscow and the West, raising fears of broader conflict in Europe.