Yesterday at 20:05
British Defense Secretary John Healey condemned the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones on the night of September 9–10, calling Russia’s actions “dangerous, reckless, and unprecedented.”
Speaking at a meeting of E5 defense ministers in London, Gilli said the UK armed forces had been asked to assess NATO’s air defense capabilities over Poland.
“Last night, Putin reached a new level of hostility against Europe. We witnessed a serious breach of Polish airspace on NATO’s eastern border, so severe that Warsaw Airport had to be closed, and NATO jets intercepted Russian drones — the first defensive operation of this kind since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine,” he said.
The UK defense chief addressed President Putin directly, emphasizing that Russian aggression only strengthens NATO’s unity and its commitment to Ukraine.
“We are telling President Putin: your aggression only strengthens the unity among NATO countries. Your aggression strengthens our resolve to support Ukraine. Your aggression reminds us that a secure Europe requires a strong Ukraine, and that Europe’s security begins in Ukraine,” Gilli said.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the drone incursion as a “major provocation” by Moscow. According to Tusk, 19 drones entered Polish airspace overnight, with 3–4 intercepted by Polish F-16s and Dutch F-35s.
In response, NATO invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which allows members to consult when a country’s territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened.
