Russia Blasts Poland, NATO, and Zelenskiy Over Polish Drone Incident

Russia Blasts Poland, NATO, and Zelenskiy Over Polish Drone Incident

LN24 / 6 minutes

September 13, 2025

3 min read

Russia has strongly rejected accusations following a major incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace, lashing out at Poland, NATO, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Moscow dismissed claims of aggression as “hysteria,” accusing Kyiv of provocation and of exploiting the incident to drag allies further into the war.
What Happened

On the night of September 9–10, 2025, Poland reported that 19 Russian drones violated its airspace amid large-scale Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. Some drones allegedly came via Belarus.

Poland responded by scrambling its air defences. Multiple drones were shot down, some by Polish forces, others with NATO support. Airports in Warsaw, Lublin, Rzeszów, and Modlin were temporarily closed.

Poland invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows for consultations when any member feels its territory or security is threatened. An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was requested.

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy condemned the incursion as a “dangerous precedent for Europe,” calling for stronger joint air defence systems.

Russia’s Response & Accusations

Russia has denied it intentionally targeted Polish territory. Moscow claims there is no proof that the drones were Russian in origin.

The Russian envoy at the UN reportedly described Poland and NATO’s reaction as alarmism, accusing Ukraine of staging provocations to pull NATO deeper into military engagement.

Moscow also dismissed suggestions that President Zelenskiy is using such incidents to consolidate domestic or international support by portraying Moscow as the aggressor. (This part reflects reported rhetoric; statements varied across Russian statements.)

Historical & Strategic Context

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, stray drones, missiles, or projectiles have occasionally crossed into neighbouring countries, including NATO members. However, this event appears to be the most serious breach in terms of scale and response.

NATO’s eastern flank particularly Poland, the Baltic States, and others bordering Belarus or Russia has been on heightened alert for spillover incidents. Incursions of UAVs/drone-type objects have raised concerns over escalation risk.

The use of Article 4 by Poland underscores how serious the country views this incident, marking a legal/diplomatic escalation even if Article 5 (collective defense) has not been invoked.

Why It Matters & What to Watch

Risk of escalation: When NATO territory is violated even if unintentionally pressure mounts on allies to respond, which could lead to unintended spillovers.

Verification of facts: Radar data, drone debris, origin trajectories, etc., will be crucial. If it’s established beyond reasonable doubt that Russia intended to violate Polish airspace, consequences (diplomatic, economic, possibly military) may follow.

Domestic politics: Zelenskiy and Polish leaders may use the incident to bolster calls for stronger alliances, more military aid, joint air-defence systems, or tougher sanctions.

Allied unity: How NATO and the EU respond in coordination matters. If responses are fractured or mixed, the deterrence effect may be weakened.

Possible Russian Arguments

Russia is likely to continue insisting on lack of evidence, possibly attributing drone flight paths to mistakes, technical errors, or misdirection due to electronic warfare.

Moscow may try to question the credibility or motives of Ukraine and Poland, suggesting that they benefit politically from heightening international alarm.