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Poland has activated NATO’s Article 4 following the attack.
Poland has activated NATO’s Article 4 following the attack.
What has happened?
Poland scrambled its air defense systems—alongside NATO assets—on Wednesday after Russian drones crossed into its airspace during attacks on Ukraine.
This marks the first direct involvement by Warsaw in the conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
Unprecedented airspace violation
The Polish government confirmed that multiple drones entered national airspace, calling it a serious breach.
Authorities described the violation as an “act of aggression,” prompting immediate military response.
NATO put on alert
In response to the incident, Poland formally notified NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The move underscores growing fears that Russia is deliberately testing the alliance’s readiness and coordination, pushing the boundaries of acceptable military engagement.
Former U.S. General: “These are intentional tests”
Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, former commander of U.S. forces in Europe, stated that Russia’s drone incursions are “clearly intentional.”
Speaking to Reuters, he warned that such actions are probing NATO’s defenses and urged a stronger, more consistent response.
Drone count reaches double digits
Polish military radars detected at least ten drones crossing into national territory during the Russian assault on Ukraine.
The incursions were tracked in real time, leading to increased surveillance and the deployment of intercept capabilities along the eastern border.
“Real threat to our citizens,” says military
The Polish Armed Forces Operational Command said the drone activity posed a real and immediate danger.
“This is an act of aggression that posed a real threat to the safety of our citizens,” it posted on X.
Emergency meetings in Warsaw
Prime Minister Donald Tusk called an emergency meeting of Warsaw’s Executive early Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, President Karol Nawrocki convened a National Security Bureau session to coordinate a unified response with top ministers and military leaders.
Top Polish leaders in constant contact
President Nawrocki emphasized the need for “close cooperation” among government and defense officials.
“The security of our homeland is the absolute priority,” he wrote on X, highlighting his ongoing communication with key decision-makers.
Poland signals a shift in engagement
Though not yet involving direct combat, Poland’s response marks a turning point in how it handles spillover from the war in Ukraine.
The deployment of NATO defenses and formal NATO notification indicate that Poland views the airspace breach as a strategic red line.
NATO’s Article 4 activated
According to Reuters, Poland has activated NATOs Article 4 following the assault.
Note that it is not Article 5 – so what is the difference?
NATOs Article 4
Article 4 of the NATO treat is a summoning of all NATO members.
A NATO-member can activate Article 4, if it believes that it’s or another NATO-members territorial integrity, political independence or safety is under threat.
It can potentially trigger af joint decision or action from the alliance.
Used 7 times in NATO history
Article 4 has been triggered seven times.
The most recent trigger was in 2022, when a number of Eastern European countries triggered the article after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Regional stability at risk
The incident has raised concerns across Europe about broader regional stability.
With Russia’s drones now entering NATO territory, the risk of miscalculation or escalation is higher than ever—placing added pressure on alliance leaders to respond decisively.
