During the night, Russia launched a massive drone attack on Poland, with several drones entering Polish territory. This unprecedented incident led to the closure of multiple airports, including the strategically important Rzeszów and Warsaw Chopin airports, both key for aid to Ukraine and Western military logistics.
The appearance of numerous Russian drones triggered a response by the Polish government and air defense forces. Despite interventions by Polish and NATO aircraft, the Alliance officially refrained from treating this episode as an armed attack. NATO's Secretary General and allied leaders limited their reaction to consultations and fact-finding, without invoking Article 5 on collective defense.
Portnikov discusses the strategic implications: Russia, amid Western caution and Trump's reluctance to challenge Moscow, is deliberately testing NATO's “red lines” and probing the bloc’s preparedness for escalation. The analysis includes parallels with previous wars, new hybrid warfare tactics, informational influence, and efforts to destabilize European societies.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk convened an emergency cabinet meeting. Key decisions focused on increased readiness, NATO consultations, and strengthening air defense. Ukraine, highlighting the growing threat from Russia, called for a joint European air defense system and a decisive response to escalation.
The article examines the broader regional effects, noting renewed calls for tougher Russia sanctions and a security rethink in the EU and NATO. It also raises the risk of further provocations not only in Poland but in neighboring countries such as Moldova and the Baltics.
Portnikov concludes that this conflict differs fundamentally from past wars, with the security of Europe’s skies now a matter of political survival for democracies. Western response will shape both Ukraine's security and continental stability.
