A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet intercepts a Russian drone over Poland's airspace during a recent incursion. [Photo Source: AFP]
During a huge Russian onslaught on Ukraine, Poland shot down multiple Russian drones that had entered its airspace. Since the full-scale invasion started in 2022, this is the first time a NATO member has directly engaged Russian military assets.
Since any direct conflict between Russia and NATO might have worldwide repercussions, the incident has raised worries of a larger war. Everyone is now wondering if NATO will have to intervene in the conflict after Poland referred to the airspace breach as an 'unprecedented act of aggression.'
On September 10, 2025, Polish forces, supported by NATO allies, intercepted Russian drones that crossed into Polish airspace. These drones were part of a wider Russian strike on Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the incident an “unprecedented” act of aggression.
Poland then activated Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows a member country to request urgent talks with other NATO members when its security is under threat.
NATO’s most powerful rule is Article 5, which says that if one NATO country is attacked, all members must treat it as an attack on themselves. They are then required to defend the attacked country. However, Article 5 has only been used once before—after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the US
Right now, Poland has not triggered Article 5. It has only called for consultations under Article 4. If NATO members agree to move to Article 5, it would be a huge escalation and could pull the alliance directly into the war with Russia.
The drone attacks got quick responses worldwide. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it was a “deliberate escalation” by Russia and urged the world to stand united.
European leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, also condemned Russia’s actions. She stressed the need to strengthen Europe’s defense and push for harder sanctions on Moscow. The US has not given a strong statement yet, but the incident has sparked fresh debate on NATO’s role in the war.
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The Russian drone strikes inside Poland show how dangerous the war is becoming. Poland has chosen talks under Article 4 for now, but the chance of invoking Article 5—NATO’s strongest defense rule—remains on the table.
The world is closely watching what happens next, as the outcome could shape not just the war in Ukraine but also global security.
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