Poland Eyes No-Fly Zone After Drone Incursion

Poland has formally requested that the United Nations Security Council convene an emergency session to address a major violation of its airspace by Russian drones. The incursion, described by Polish authorities as “unprecedented,” involved at least 19 drones crossing into Polish territory early on September 10, 2025, with some flights traced back to Belarus.

Poland, backed by NATO allies, responded by deploying fighter jets, including Dutch F-35s and Polish aircraft, to intercept the drones. At least three drones were confirmed shot down; a fourth is believed to have been destroyed as well.

One of the unmanned aerial vehicles impacted a civilian home in the eastern village of Wyryki-Wola, damaging the roof. Despite the incursion and debris found across the region, there were no reported injuries.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk labeled the event a “large-scale provocation” and warned that Poland was now “closer to military conflict than at any time since World War II.” The government also invoked Article 4 of the NATO Charter, which enables consultations among member states when one perceives a threat to its security.

In response to security concerns, Poland implemented stringent no-fly zone restrictions along its eastern border with Belarus and Ukraine. The restrictions took effect at 22:00 GMT on September 10 and will remain in place until December 9.

Under these rules, general aviation, including small and recreational aircraft and helicopters, cannot fly at night unless they maintain a radio and transponder. Flights above approximately 3 km in altitude, most commercial airliners are exempt. The restricted zone extends between 26 km and 46 km inland, depending on the area.

Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski emphasized that the invocation of a UN Security Council meeting was intended to draw global attention to what he called a violation not only of Polish airspace, but of NATO and European Union sovereignty as well.

Russia has denied any intention to target Polish territory. Its defense ministry stated the drones were part of a broader offensive against military infrastructure in western Ukraine and that any stray incursions were not planned. The origin of the drones, believed to be from Belarus, and differing claims regarding their purpose have further heightened tensions amid the broader conflict.

Sources: Financial Times, Reuters, The Guardian, Associated Press