Poland is experiencing its most significant threat of conflict since World War II following a recent drone attack attributed to Russia. On Wednesday, approximately two dozen drones entered Polish airspace, prompting a military response from NATO allies. This incident marks a critical escalation in tensions between NATO and Russia.

The drone assault occurred just a week after President Trump met with Polish President Karol Nawrocki at the White House. In response to the attack, Trump expressed concern on social media, questioning, "What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!"

The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the drones, with Andrei Ordash, Moscow's chief diplomat in Poland, stating there is "no evidence" that the drones originated from Russia. He claimed, "We see the accusations as groundless," and noted that the drones were flying from the direction of Ukraine. This assertion contradicts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who reported that at least two Russian drones had crossed into Polish territory using Belarusian airspace.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk informed parliament that at least 19 Russian drones had entered Poland's airspace, with eight confirmed crash sites where NATO forces shot them down. Tusk described the situation as a "large-scale provocation" and emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating, "No one doubts that we must prepare for various scenarios."

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed that a full assessment of the incident is underway. He noted that the violation of Polish airspace is not an isolated event, referencing a pattern of Russian drones crossing NATO borders in recent months. Rutte also mentioned that NATO leaders convened after Poland invoked Article 4, which calls for urgent discussions when a member's security is threatened.

In response to the drone threat, NATO scrambled Polish warplanes and activated Dutch F-35s, Italian Airborne Warning and Control Systems, and German Patriot missile systems to defend NATO territory. U.S. Army Col. Martin L. O’Donnell stated, "This is the first time NATO planes have engaged potential threats in Allied airspace."

The situation remains fluid as NATO and Polish officials continue to assess the implications of the drone incursion.