Poland faces biggest security crisis since WWII, says fist will respond

On 10 September 2025, Poland found itself in the most serious security situation since the end of the Second World War, when Russian drones reportedly repeatedly violated its airspace. The Polish government has described the incident as an "act of aggression" and has launched an appropriate military response and will reportedly respond with a "united fist," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, according to Reuters.

This incident comes at a time when Poland is playing a key role in supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia. The Polish government has been one of Europe's most active advocates of tough action against Moscow and has long supported sanctions, military aid and diplomatic isolation of Russia. Poland's geographic location on NATO's eastern border makes it an important "front country" alliances. However, Poland now strictly refuses to send its army to Ukraine.

The Polish military said the radars picked up more than ten objects, of which those posing a direct threat were "neutralized". Following the incident, key airport operations were closed, including Warsaw Chopin Airport and Lublin Airport. The government has also called on residents of the affected areas, particularly in Podlaskie, Mazowieckie and Lublin voivodeships, to stay at home. F-35 fighter jets from the Dutch air force contributed to the intervention and NATO coordinated with Poland on the next steps.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at least eight drones were pointed at Poland during the Russian offensive. He added that the use of Iranian Shahed drones indicated a targeted attack. Zielinski called for a unified international response. In response to the incident, there have been calls for tougher sanctions against Russia and for NATO to strengthen its defences.

Poland has long had a sensitive relationship with the issue of sovereignty and security. The country has been repeatedly hit by military conflicts over the past century, with the Second World War leaving a deep historical imprint. Tusk's statement on "the closest point to armed conflict since the war" can be understood not only as a reaction to a specific incident, but also as a reflection of the historical memory of Polish society, in which fears of a Russian threat persist.

Moscow has long denied that its military actions target NATO member states, but the drone incidents are raising tensions and could contribute to an unwanted escalation. There are similar concerns in neighbouring countries such as Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Poland faces the dilemma of how to respond to repeated violations of its airspace without provoking a direct confrontation.

gnews.cz - GH