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Poland has envoked NATO’s Article 4.
Poland has envoked NATO’s Article 4.
What is happening?
Poland announced it had intercepted multiple Russian drones that breached its airspace, marking the first time a NATO country has used weapons in response to the war in Ukraine.
Officials said 19 drones entered Polish territory during a large-scale Russian strike on Ukraine. Those deemed a threat were shot down.
Hungary and Slovakia voice support for Poland
Despite their generally softer stance toward Moscow, Hungary and Slovakia expressed strong support for Poland following the incident.
Both countries remain energy-dependent on Russia and have often struck a more neutral tone in the conflict.
Slovakia: A serious escalation
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar called the breach of Polish territory a “serious escalation.”
He affirmed Slovakia’s solidarity with Poland and backed Poland’s move to invoke Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows for emergency consultations among allies.
Hungary’s Orban: “Unacceptable” violation
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban took to social media platform X, stating that the violation of Poland’s territorial integrity was “unacceptable.”
He reiterated Hungary’s long-standing call for peace, saying, “living in the shadow of war is full of risks and dangers. It is time to put an end to it.”
NATO called to the table
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that his government had activated Article 4, prompting formal NATO consultations.
While not a call to arms, this move underlines Poland’s view of the drone incursion as a direct threat to its national security.
Russia dismisses allegations as “unfounded”
In response, Russian state news agency RIA quoted an unnamed Russian diplomat who denied the accusations, claiming Poland had offered no proof that the drones were of Russian origin.
Moscow has consistently dismissed similar allegations in the past.
Drones crashed deep inside Polish territory
Polish media, citing military sources, reported that one of the drones traveled 250 kilometers inland before crashing near Mniszków in the Łódzkie Voivodeship.
Another drone was found near Czosnówka, only 50 km from the Belarusian border, with Cyrillic writing confirmed by local prosecutors.
NATO engaged but cautious
A NATO spokesperson confirmed that Secretary General Mark Rutte was in direct contact with Polish leadership.
According to a Reuters source, the alliance is not treating the incursion as an “attack” but acknowledges it as a “deliberate violation.” Discussions are ongoing.
NATO air assets mobilized overnight
The overnight response involved a multi-national military effort.
Polish F-16s, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS surveillance aircraft, and NATO-operated aerial refueling planes all participated in tracking and intercepting the drones.
Rising tensions at NATO’s Eastern flank
This incident has added new urgency to discussions about NATO’s eastern flank.
With a war raging next door, even countries with relatively conciliatory policies toward Russia now appear more unified in defending NATO’s territorial integrity.
