Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Monday vowed that Poland will shoot down any aircraft that violate its airspace, a warning delivered amid a surge of Russian drone and fighter jet activity along NATO's eastern flank.
"I want to be very clear. We will make a decision to shoot down flying objects without discussion when they violate our territory and fly over Poland. There is no room for debate here," Tusk told reporters at a press conference.
The statement follows a series of incidents, including the incursion of 21 Russian drones into Polish airspace earlier this month and the overflight of two Russian fighter jets near Poland's Petrobaltic drilling platform in the Baltic Sea. Estonia reported Friday that three Russian MiG-31 jets violated its airspace for nearly 12 minutes, prompting NATO to scramble jets.
Russia's Defense Ministry denied that its aircraft crossed into Estonian territory, calling the allegation "false and designed to stir up tension."
Tusk emphasized that Poland would act decisively when sovereignty is breached but would exercise caution in ambiguous situations, particularly when aircraft remain outside territorial waters. "You really need to think twice before deciding on actions that could trigger a very acute phase of conflict," he said.
The prime minister added that Poland's response would depend on NATO unity, saying he must have "100 percent certainty" that allies would support any defensive action. "If the conflict enters a very acute phase, we will not be alone," Tusk said.
Regional tensions have risen since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with NATO members warning that Moscow may be testing the alliance's readiness. The United Nations Security Council was set to meet Monday to discuss the latest incident over Estonia.
