Poland shoots down Russian drones: NATO involved in the war for the first time
Unmanned aerial vehicles that violated Polish airspace during Russia's air attack on Ukraine have been shot down. Warsaw has characterized this move as an "act of aggression," marking its first direct involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war.
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During Russia's air attack on Ukraine, Polish airspace was violated multiple times. The Polish Military Command announced that radars tracked more than 10 objects and that the unmanned aerial vehicles posing a threat were shot down. The statement said, "Some of the unmanned aerial vehicles that entered our airspace were neutralized. Efforts are underway to determine the impact sites of these objects."
CHARACTERIZED AS AN "ACT OF AGGRESSION"
The Polish government has taken a critical step in the course of the war by classifying the downing of Russian drones as an act of aggression. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that operations are ongoing and emphasized that they are in "constant contact" with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
CALL FOR CITIZENS TO STAY INDOORS
The Polish Military Command identified the Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin regions as the highest-risk areas. Citizens in the region have been asked to remain in their homes.
NATIONAL SECURITY MEETING
It was announced that an emergency cabinet meeting would be held at 8 a.m. Warsaw time. Prior to the meeting, Prime Minister Donald Tusk held consultations with ministers responsible for defense and security. President Karol Nawrocki announced that a special briefing would be held at the National Security Bureau, which Prime Minister Tusk will also attend.
WARSAW AIRSPACE CLOSED
Warsaw Chopin Airport, the country's largest airport, reported that its airspace has been closed due to military operations. According to Flightradar24 data, numerous flights scheduled to land at Chopin Airport have been diverted to Katowice, Wroclaw, and Poznan airports.
It was announced that Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz will cut short his visit to London, where he was attending a meeting of the E5 Group (France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom) defense ministers, to return to his country.
US ALSO INFORMED
CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins stated that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been briefed on the developments.