Poland’s skies have once again been a flashpoint in escalating tensions with Russia.
On Monday, a drone was neutralized over Warsaw’s Belweder Palace, marking another test of the country’s air defense systems after a major incursion last week involving 19 Russian drones.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the action, writing on X, “Just now, the State Protection Service neutralized a drone operating over government buildings (Parkowa Street) and the Belweder Palace.”
A Pattern of Provocation
The latest incident comes after last Wednesday’s unprecedented wave of Russian drones entering Polish airspace.
That incursion forced NATO-backed jets to shoot down several targets and temporarily shut down airports in Rzeszów, Lublin, Warsaw, and Modlin.
Tusk warned at the time that these violations brought Poland “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War II.”
Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, Poland’s Minister of Funds and Regional Policy, told local media she expects such provocations to be repeated.
A source from Poland’s State Protection Service (SOP) added that no shots were fired during Monday’s neutralization, and the drone returned to two Belarusian operators who had launched it in emergency mode.
Drone Operators Detained
Following the incident, the two Belarusian citizens were detained and police have launched an investigation.
A SOP spokesman told TVN24 that officers on duty at Belweder Palace spotted the drone, alerted superiors, and dispatched a patrol to neutralize the threat and detain the operators.
Colonel Napiórkowski reassured the public, stating, “We are constantly vigilant here, we are prepared for such situations, and we will always respond.”
The Wider Threat
Last week’s drone incursion saw several devices crashing into civilian homes and a military base for Poland’s Territorial Defence Forces.
Reports indicated that some drones were targeting a NATO base supplying Ukraine.
A high-ranking NATO officer told German newspaper Die Welt that the drones “most likely intentionally entered NATO airspace.”
Further testing of NATO defenses occurred hours later when two drones entered Lithuania, prompting interception by Polish F-16s, Dutch F-35s, and Italian AWACS reconnaissance and refueling aircraft.
Calls for Greater NATO Support
In response to the ongoing threat, Tusk acknowledged European solidarity but stressed that words were insufficient, announcing that Poland would seek “much greater” support from NATO allies.
He described the drone activity as part of a broader display of Russian aggression, saying, “The situation is significantly more dangerous than all previous ones.”
Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister also called for the creation of an “anti-drone wall” along the border with Russia.
Tusk has repeatedly criticized attempts to appease Vladimir Putin, especially following Moscow’s largest drone attack on Ukraine, urging the US and Europe to push for an immediate ceasefire.
NATO Strengthens Eastern Flank
To bolster the alliance’s eastern defenses, NATO countries are sending additional troops and fighter jets.
Denmark will contribute two F-16s and a warship, France will send three Rafale jets, and Germany four Eurofighters.
The UK announced deployment of RAF Typhoon jets and a Voyager refueling aircraft.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized, “These aircraft are not just a show of strength, they are vital in deterring aggression, securing NATO airspace and protecting our national security and that of our allies.”
Defence Secretary John Healey added that the deployment would “help deter Russian aggression and, where needed, defend NATO’s airspace, making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.”