Poland’s State Protection Service (SOP) has neutralised a drone that was flying over sensitive government locations in Warsaw, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in a post on X.
Two Belarusian citizens were detained in connection with the incident and police have launched an investigation into the incident, Tusk said.
Poland says its airspace was violated in the early hours of Wednesday by a record 19 drones, believed to be from Russia.
Total support to Ukraine from Warsaw totals approximately €3.3 billion, in both military and humanitarian assistance.
Poland has also been one of the most welcoming countries in Europe for refugees from Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
In an X post, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Poland’s State Protection Service (SOP) had destroyed a drone that was hovering over sensitive government sites in Warsaw.
According to Tusk, police have opened an investigation into the incident and two Belarusian nationals were arrested in connection with it.
After a series of airspace violations, the incident occurs during a period of increased regional tension.
Poland claims that a record 19 drones, thought to be from Russia, violated its airspace in the early hours of Wednesday.
In retaliation, the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced that it would dispatch a team to Poland to train against drones.
In the past, the Polish government has been a strong advocate for Ukraine’s war effort.
Warsaw has contributed roughly €3 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine overall.
Additionally, since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland has been among the friendliest nations in Europe to immigrants from Ukraine.
According to the UN Refugee Agency, the country is currently home to more Ukrainian refugees than any other nation in Europe, with an estimated 1–1.6 million.
Support that fluctuates.
However, despite evidence that the Ukrainian influx has benefited Poland’s economy, anti-Ukrainian sentiment has been growing as Moscow’s war continues.
According to a Polish National Development Bank study earlier this year, Ukrainian refugees paid more in taxes than they got in benefits.
However, according to a Flash Eurobarometer survey last year, about 60% of respondents in Poland supported state assistance for those escaping the conflict in Ukraine, indicating a significantly lower level of support.
Romania, meanwhile, denounced Monday what it described as Moscow’s “irresponsible actions” following the alleged entry of a Russian drone into Romanian airspace during an aerial assault on Ukraine.
The defense ministry stated that Bucharest scrambled fighter jets in response to the Saturday night incident.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte unveiled the “Eastern Sentry” initiative on Friday, which intends to demonstrate support for Poland and discourage additional Russian incursions.
“We observe drones infringing on our airspace. It is unacceptable whether it was done on purpose or not. The allies have stated their unwavering support for Poland. “Defending all Alliance members and thwarting aggression are vital,” Rutte stated.
Our main objective is to defend the eastern flank. To strengthen our eastern flank even more, we are starting the Eastern Sentry initiative. “.
