We are ready to repel such provocations and attacks. We are well prepared. The situation is serious, and today no one can have any doubts that we must prepare for various scenarios said Prime Minister Donald Tusk at an emergency government meeting convened following the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones.
The procedures worked, the decision-making process was flawless, and the threat was eliminated. Poland remains in constant contact with its allies, including the NATO Secretary General. Airports have resumed normal operations.
On Wednesday morning, Polish airspace was violated by Russian drones. This is an unprecedented situation. Radar systems tracked a total of more than a dozen objects.
State institutions acting as one
The Polish military immediately activated defense procedures—the drones that posed a direct threat were shot down.
I ask General Kukuła, the Chief of the General Staff, to convey words of appreciation to the pilots who took part in this operation. The procedures worked, the decision-making process was flawless, and the threat was eliminated thanks to the decisive stance of the commanders, our soldiers, pilots, and allies – Prime Minister D. Tusk summed up the events of the night.
The Prime Minister and the President are receiving ongoing reports from the military. The special meeting of the Council of Ministers was attended by Gen. Wiesław Kukuła (Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces), Gen. Robert Bagan (Chief Commander of the Border Guard), Gen. Jarosław Chojnacki (Operational Command of the Branches of the Armed Forces), Gen. Marek Boroń (Chief Commander of the Police), and Brig. Gen. Wojciech Kruczek (Chief Commander of the State Fire Service).
There is full cooperation between the government, the presidential center, and the military.
I want to emphasize with full force that cooperation between the institutions is exemplary. I am in constant contact (...) also with the President, and in a moment I will also speak with the Marshal of the Sejm. It is very important that in moments of such a test all institutions act as one. And I must assure you with full conviction that all these institutions are passing their test– stated the Prime Minister.
Consultations with NATO allies
The Prime Minister is also in constant contact with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
This is the first case in which Russian drones have been shot down over the territory of a NATO member state, and therefore all our allies are treating the situation very seriously – stated the head of the Polish government.
During the operation to neutralize the drones over Polish skies, Polish and allied aircraft operated in the area, including Dutch F-35s. In addition to Polish systems, allied radar systems also took part in tracking the positions of the enemy drones.
Russia will spread disinformation—use official information sources
Russia will try to use the attack to destabilize the country and sow panic. Therefore, citizens and the public must remain alert to disinformation.
I appeal to everyone, without exception, to everyone: politicians, journalists, and commentators, to be very alert to attempts at disinformation and hostile propaganda. From the first minutes of this attack or provocation, the Russians have been very active online, and disinformation, false information, and attempts to sow panic will certainly accompany us. Here we must all pass the test of civic and political responsibility – warned Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
We appeal for calm and for using only verified information provided by the services—above all, by the Polish Armed Forces. Political statements will be formulated jointly by the Prime Minister and the President.
Search operation underway
The search for the wreckage of the downed drones is currently underway. If unidentified objects are found, please do not approach them and notify the services by calling 112.
Alerts from the Government Security Centre were sent to residents of the Masovian, Podlaskie, and Lublin voivodeships.
Civilian airports that were closed due to the activity of Polish and allied aircraft are returning to normal operations.