Rutte: Violation of Polish airspace not an isolated incident, full assessment underway

(Patria) - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Wednesday that the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones "is not an isolated incident," noting that a full assessment of the situation is underway.

"Last night, numerous drones from Russia violated Polish airspace. Our air defence was activated and successfully secured the defence of NATO territory, as foreseen," Rutte told reporters after a meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Brussels.

He said that Poland requested consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty, and allies expressed solidarity with Warsaw, condemning Russia's "reckless behaviour".

"A full assessment of the incident is underway. What is clear is that the violation last night is not an isolated incident. The Supreme Allied Commander will continue to actively manage our deterrence and defence posture along the entire eastern flank. Allies are determined to defend every inch of allied territory," he stated.

He reiterated NATO's commitment to strengthening defence capabilities, increasing defence production, and continuing support for Ukraine.

"Whether it was intentional or not, it is absolutely reckless. It is absolutely dangerous. And my message to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is clear, stop the war in Ukraine, stop the escalating war, which he is essentially now waging against innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure. Stop violating allied airspace," he warned.

He also praised NATO forces for their swift response, saying: "I think last night showed that we are capable of defending every inch of NATO territory, including, of course, its airspace."

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on social media that the Polish army had shot down drones that violated his airspace overnight. He added that he had convened an emergency cabinet meeting and informed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

After 19 drones were shot down, as reported by the news portal Onet, several airports, including Warsaw and Rzeszów, were closed as a precaution. Police, border guards, and firefighters were also put on alert across eastern Poland.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz called for calm, stating that he had informed his colleagues in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy, and was also in contact with defence chiefs from Finland, Sweden, the Baltic states, and NATO officials.

Article 4 of the NATO Treaty, which allows allies to consult when anyone believes their security is threatened, has been invoked only seven times since the alliance's founding in 1949.