...
By Jenna Sundel and Shane Croucher
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
President Donald Trump has reacted to the shooting down of Russian drones that violated NATO ally Poland's airspace during an attack on western Ukraine.
"What's with Russia violating Poland's airspace with drones? Here we go!" Trump posted to his Truth Social platform in his first remarks on the incident.
...
Read More on Politics
Why It Matters
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told the nation's parliament that 19 violations of Poland's airspace were recorded over seven hours. The drones were shot down with help from NATO allies.
Polish airspace has been violated multiple times since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but this number of violations over a short period of time has not been seen before in Poland or any other NATO territory.
Is Russia Attacking Poland? What We Know
Russia's Defense Ministry said it did not target Poland. The agency said that its overnight strikes targeted Ukraine's military-industrial complex in the western regions of the country, which border Poland.
Belarus, a close ally of Russia, said it tracked some drones that "lost their course" because they were jammed.
Poland triggered NATO's Article 4 mechanism in response, which alerts allies to a significant threat and starts a consultation on how to respond.
Is Poland in the EU?
Poland is one of 27 countries in the European Union. It became an EU Member State in 2004.
Is Poland a member of NATO?
Poland is one of 32 countries in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It joined NATO in 1999.
What People Are Saying
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, on X: "I completely agree with President @realDonaldTrump's sentiment in response to Russia's insane violation of Polish airspace for hours, deploying multiple drones. Mr. President, Congress is with you. We stand ready to pass legislation authorizing bone crushing new sanctions and tariffs that can be deployed at your discretion. Our goal is to empower you as you deal with this mounting threat."
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitacker, on X: "We stand by our NATO Allies in the face of these airspace violations and will defend every inch of NATO territory."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, on X: "NATO Allies stand in solidarity with Poland & denounce Russia's reckless behaviour after the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. Allies are resolved to defend every inch of Allied territory. We'll closely monitor the situation, our air defences continually at the ready."
What Happens Next
Trump was expected to speak to Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Wednesday, a White House official told The Associated Press.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines