In a significant escalation of tensions, Russia has reportedly sent a squadron of kamikaze drones into Polish airspace. This incident occurred during a larger Russian assault on Ukraine, which took place overnight on September 9 and 10, involving 415 drones and 43 missiles. According to Polish officials, at least 19 drones crossed into Poland, with some entering from Belarus. While some drones were intercepted, at least one exploded on the roof of a residential building.

This marks a historic moment for NATO, as it is the first time the alliance has faced a potential threat in its own airspace, aside from the September 11 terrorist attacks. The trajectory of the drones suggests they may have been attempting to return to Ukraine, possibly to evade Ukrainian air defenses. However, several drones penetrated deep into Polish territory, indicating that their incursion was not merely a transit issue.

In response to the drone activity, Poland temporarily closed several major airports. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the incident, labeling it a "large-scale provocation." Meanwhile, Russia has denied any violation of Polish airspace, claiming that Warsaw has not provided evidence to support its assertions. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, stated that some drones strayed off course due to electronic jamming during an exchange between Russia and Ukraine. Belarusian officials claimed they shot down some of these drones within their own airspace and warned Poland and Lithuania of an imminent incursion.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated in a video message that his government, in conjunction with NATO allies, believes the drones were "deliberately targeted" rather than lost. He remarked, "Lies and denials are default Soviet responses," emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The incident raises questions about Russia's motives for violating Polish sovereignty. Analysts suggest that Russia aims to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines that pass through Poland, particularly targeting the Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, which is located about 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border and has been a key hub for international military aid.

In recent years, Russia has employed various hybrid warfare tactics against its adversaries in Europe and North America, seeking to destabilize them. This strategy has included cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and weaponized immigration. Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian agents have reportedly paid European criminals to sabotage infrastructure related to Ukrainian aid. Additionally, there have been incidents of Russian and Chinese vessels severing undersea telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea, along with sporadic drone incursions into European states, particularly Romania.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been testing the West's response to these provocations, gradually increasing aggression while maintaining plausible deniability. The West's reactions have often been perceived as insufficient, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation.