Poland shoots down Russian drones after country’s airspace was ‘violated’ during Ukraine attack: Live updates

Drone components have been found near a cemetery in the town of Czesniki, south-eastern Poland, local officials said this morning.

Authorities say no-one has been injured

Meanwhile, another report said Polish police had discovered the wreckage of a Russian attack drone more than 100 miles away, near the village of Czosnówka in eastern Poland, 15 miles from the border with Belarus.

Polish people were were warned not to approach, touch, or move any downed drones or fragments.

Mr Tusk said all drones that posed a ‘direct threat’ to the country were shot down with up to 10 drones believed to have incurred into Polish airspace.

Russian drones and missiles have entered the airspace of NATO members – including Poland – several times during Russia’s three-and-a-half-year war, but a NATO country has never attempted to shoot them down.

A cornerstone of the Western military alliance is the principle that an attack on any member is deemed an attack on all.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga wrote on X that the incursion showed ‘that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s sense of impunity keeps growing because he was not properly punished for his previous crimes’.

Putin just keeps escalating, expanding his war, and testing the West. The longer he faces no strength in response, the more aggressive he gets. A weak response now will provoke Russia even more – and then Russian missiles and drones will fly even further into Europe.

NATO members have condemned what was described by an ‘entirely unacceptable’ violation of Poland’s airspace as Nordic and Baltic countries pledged their support.

Here’s some of the reaction across Europe

• Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine poses a threat to the security of all of Europe. Poland has every right to defend its airspace. We give our full support to Poland, as a NATO ally and EU member. Sweden and Poland stand united in our support for Ukraine.

• Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvič

Full support and solidarity with our Polish friends and allies over the incursion of Russian drones in Poland. Clear testimony that Russian aggression in Ukraine affects us directly and appropriate measures must be taken. Allies are and should be working together.

• Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide

The overnight violations of Polish airspace are deeply concerning and entirely unacceptable. I welcome the close coordination between Polish authorities and NATO. Norway reaffirms its steadfast support for our ally Poland and our shared commitment to European security.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Russian drones entering Polish airspace marked an ‘extremely dangerous precedent for Europe.’

Zelensky said eight Russian drones were ‘aimed toward’ Poland in an overnight barrage launched by Moscow

‘It was not just one Shahed that could be called an accident, but at least eight strike drones aimed toward Poland,’ Zelensky said, referring to Iranian-designed drones deployed by Moscow, adding that the incident represented ‘An extremely dangerous precedent for Europe.’

Zelenskiy added that Russia had deployed a total of around 415 drones and over 40 missiles in overnight attacks.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk released the following statement at the time of the Russian incursion.

An operation is being conducted involving multiple violations of Polish airspace. The military used weapons against targets.

I am in constant contact with the president and the defense minister. I have received a direct report from the operation commander.

The Polish leader later added:

I received a report from the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces Branches regarding the downing of drones that intruded into our airspace and could have posed a threat. The operation is ongoing.

Mr Tusk called an emergency session with his security ministers for 7am UK time.

Russian drones above Kyiv during the latest missile strikes on Ukraine

If you’re just joining us this morning, here’s what’s been happening in Eastern Europe as Poland scrambled its defense systems for the first time since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began.

• Poland shut down four airports, Chopin, Modlin, Rzeszów-Jasionka and Lublin, after Russian drones entered its airspace in the early hours this morning during an attack in Ukraine
• Reports indicated around ten Shahed-2 drone incursions into Polish air space with at least four shot down.
• 8.6 million Poles were ordered not to leave their homes due to the unprecedented operation by the Polish Air Force to repel the ‘drone invasion’.
• Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned the drones ‘could have posed a threat’ as he remained in constant contact with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte
• One report said Polish police had discovered the wreckage of a Russian attack drone, near the village of Czosnówka in eastern Poland, 15 miles from the border with Belarus.
• Russia has remained silent on the incident so far.
• Polish airspace has since reopened

Good morning and welcome to the Daily Mail’s live coverage as Poland scrambles its air defenses in response to Russian drones entering its airspace.

Reports indicated around ten Shahed-2 drone incursions into Polish air space with at least four shot down.

The action marks Poland’s first engagement since the Russia-Ukraine war began.

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for European leaders to hold an emergency meeting following the attack

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