Poland’s shooting down of Russian drone marks 1st time NATO member has opened fire in Ukraine conflict

Poland’s shooting down drones that entered its airspace on Wednesday marks the first time a member of NATO is known to have fired shots during Russia’s war in Ukraine, Reuters writes.

Poland said 19 objects had entered its airspace during a large Russian air attack on Ukraine, and that it had shot down those that posed a threat. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he had activated article four of NATO’s treaty, under which alliance members can demand consultations with their allies.

“We are dealing with a large-scale provocation,” said Tusk. “We are ready to repel such provocations. The situation is serious, and no one doubts that we must prepare for various scenarios.”

Russia’s RIA state news agency quoted a Russian diplomat as calling the accusations of an incursion “groundless” and saying Poland had not given any evidence that the drones shot down were of Russian origin.

Several European officials described the incursion as intentional and a sign of Russian escalation.

“The shooting down of drones threatening our security is a success for Polish and NATO forces, which simultaneously changes the political situation,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.