"The situation is serious,” Tusk told an emergency Cabinet meeting in Warsaw. "Today no one can have doubts that we must prepare for various scenarios. But there is no reason for panic."
The Operational Command of Poland's Armed Forces said multiple Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace during Moscow’s overnight attack on Ukraine.
Tusk said that drones posing a direct threat were destroyed.
He praised the military’s response, saying procedures “worked flawlessly” and the decision-making process was “without fault.”
'First time Russian drones shot down over NATO territory'
“This is the first time Russian drones have been shot down over NATO territory, and all our allies are treating the situation very seriously,” Tusk said.
He added that there were no reports of casualties and that authorities were searching for debris from the downed drones.
The prime minister said Poland was in constant contact with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and allied governments.
'A large-scale provocation'
He described the incident as “most likely a large-scale provocation” by Moscow.
Four Polish airports were temporarily closed overnight for security reasons but have since begun reopening.
Tusk said he met twice during the night with President Karol Nawrocki and again early on Wednesday morning.
“In moments of such a test, all institutions must act as one,” Tusk said, stressing the need for coordination, investment and streamlined procedures.
He warned against Russian disinformation campaigns aimed at spreading panic.
“We cannot in any way succumb to hybrid information attacks,” Tusk said. He urged politicians, journalists and the public to rely solely on official communications, noting that he and the president would issue political statements jointly.
“Thanks to the decisive stance of commanders, soldiers, pilots and our allies, the threat was eliminated,” Tusk said. “Our institutions have passed their first test.”
Poland, a NATO member bordering Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, has repeatedly reported incidents of missiles and drones crossing its airspace since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
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Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info