Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Poland will formally request the activation of NATO’s Article 4 following the violation of its airspace by 19 Russian drones. Several of the drones were intercepted and shot down by Polish defenses.
Article 4 of the NATO treaty requires member states to consult when a nation’s territorial integrity, political independence, or security is under threat. Unlike Article 5, which obligates collective defense action, Article 4 initiates formal discussions among allies without triggering immediate military engagement.
The incident marks one of the most serious airspace violations faced by Poland since the escalation of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Polish authorities stated that the drone intrusion poses a direct threat to national security and regional stability.
NATO has invoked Article 4 only a limited number of times since the alliance was established in 1949. The most notable uses were by Eastern European members following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Poland’s latest move signals renewed tensions on NATO’s eastern flank.
Prime Minister Tusk emphasized the urgency of collective consultation, citing the need for allied coordination in light of repeated Russian provocations. “Poland cannot remain passive when its sovereignty is challenged,” he said.
Military analysts note that Russia’s drone campaign reflects broader strategies aimed at testing NATO’s resolve and response mechanisms. The violation also highlights the increasing risks of escalation along the alliance’s border states.
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