Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has issued a stern condemnation after Russian missiles repeatedly violated NATO member Poland's airspace during a massive assault on western Ukraine.
The dramatic escalation occurred early Wednesday as Moscow launched a coordinated attack targeting Ukrainian infrastructure near the Polish border. Multiple missiles crossed into Polish territory, prompting emergency meetings at the highest levels of government.
NATO Member Under Fire
'This is not the first time this has happened, but it must be the last,' Tusk declared in an urgent statement. 'We demand immediate explanations from the Russian Federation. Our air defence systems were activated and all necessary procedures initiated.'
The Polish military confirmed that objects entered its airspace from Ukrainian territory during the night-time assault. While officials haven't disclosed whether attempts were made to shoot down the intruders, defence forces remain on high alert.
Regional Tensions Soar
This incident marks one of the most serious breaches of NATO territory since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. The alliance's Article 5 collective defence clause considers an attack on one member as an attack on all, though Poland hasn't yet invoked this provision.
Western Ukraine suffered extensive damage in the bombardment, with energy infrastructure and other facilities struck in the Lviv region. Ukrainian air defences worked frantically to intercept incoming missiles and drones throughout the night.
International Response Mounts
The airspace violation has triggered emergency consultations with NATO allies. Poland's foreign ministry is preparing diplomatic protests while military officials enhance monitoring along the eastern border.
This development comes amid growing concerns about the conflict spilling over into neighbouring countries. Previous incidents have seen stray missiles and drones land in NATO territory, but repeated deliberate violations represent a dangerous escalation in Moscow's aggression.
Security analysts warn that these incidents test NATO's red lines and could potentially draw the alliance more directly into the conflict. The international community watches anxiously as Poland and its allies determine their response to this provocative act.
