Poland has openly contradicted former U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion that alleged Russian drone incursions into its airspace might have been accidental. The rare diplomatic friction between Warsaw and Washington highlights escalating tensions in Eastern Europe.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on social media platform X: "We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake. But it wasn't. And we know it." The remarks followed Trump's Thursday comments expressing frustration while speculating about the incident's accidental nature.
NATO allies have united in condemning the airspace violations, with some European leaders accusing Russia of deliberately testing the alliance's defenses. Poland's military confirmed shooting down drones after repeated airspace breaches between Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Polish government invoked NATO's Article 4, triggering emergency consultations among member states. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed the alliance's vigilance, stating air defense systems remain "on standby" amid heightened regional security concerns.
Russia denied involvement, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissing accusations as "baseless provocations." The incident underscores growing geopolitical strains as Eastern NATO members face increased military activity near their borders.
