The European Commission's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic (not pictured) present EU-Mercosur and EU-Mexico trade agreements, for formal approval by the European Parliament and European Union members following adoption by the Commission, in Brussels, Belgium, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo

(Reuters) - Poland shot down drones that entered its airspace on Wednesday, the first time a member of NATO is known to have fired shots during Russia's war in Ukraine.

Here are some reactions to the situation from some leading politicians and officials.

POLISH PRIME MINISTER DONALD TUSK

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

"The fact that these drones, which posed a security threat, were shot down changes the political situation."

"This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two."

ANDREY ORDASH, RUSSIAN CHARGE D'AFFAIRES IN POLAND, CITED BY RUSSIA'S RIA STATE NEWS AGENCY

"We see the accusations as groundless. No evidence that these drones are of Russian origin has been presented."

KAJA KALLAS, EUROPEAN UNION HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY

"Russia's war is escalating, not ending. We must raise the cost on Moscow, strengthen support for Ukraine, and invest in Europe's defence."

"The EU plays a major role and we will support initiatives like the Eastern Border Shield defence line."

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON

"The incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace during an attack carried out by Russia against Ukraine is simply unacceptable. I condemn it in the strongest terms. I call on Russia to put an end to this reckless escalation."

"I reiterate to the Polish people and their government our full solidarity. I will soon speak with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. We will not compromise on the security of the Allies."

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

"This morning's barbaric attack on Ukraine and the egregious and unprecedented violation of Polish and NATO airspace by Russian drones is deeply concerning. This was an extremely reckless move by Russia and only serves to remind us of President Putin’s blatant disregard for peace, and the constant bombardment innocent Ukrainians face every day."

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY

"It is clear that Russian aggression poses a danger to every independent nation in our region, and therefore only joint and coordinated action can guarantee reliable security. The precedent of using combat aircraft from several European countries simultaneously to shoot down Russian weapons and protect human lives is highly significant."

"Together, Europeans are always stronger. Russia must feel that the response to this escalatory step, and even more so to an attempt to humiliate one of Europe’s key countries, will be clear and strong from all partners."

U.S. AIR FORCE GENERAL ALEXUS GRYNKEWICH, NATO SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER EUROPE

"Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and Allied Command Operations are in close contact and coordination with Poland and other Allies regarding the drones that entered Polish airspace. NATO responded quickly and decisively to the situation, demonstrating our capability and resolve to defend Allied territory."

(Reporting by Alan Charlish in Warsaw, Mathias de Rozario in Paris and Andrew Gray and Sabine Siebold in Brussels, Kate Holton in London and Juliia Dysa in Kyiv, Compiled by Timothy Heritage, Editing by Peter Graff)