UN Warns of Escalation After Russian Drone Strike in Poland

Commercial flights were reportedly suspended around the city of Lublin, in eastern Poland, following the incursion of drones.

Reports that Russian drones crossed deep into Polish territory and were shot down by NATO allies highlight the growing regional risks of the war in Ukraine, UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo told Security Council ambassadors on Friday.

She said it was not the first time drones had been spotted beyond Ukraine’s borders, “but it is the first time that multiple drones have flown so deep into a neighbouring country’s airspace.”

Ms DiCarlo noted that the UN had no way of verifying claims or counterclaims surrounding the incident and could only rely on publicly available information.

According to Poland, 19 Russian drones entered its airspace overnight on 9 and 10 September during a large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukraine. Polish authorities said some drones were shot down pre-emptively, and debris was later recovered across central and eastern parts of the country.

The episode marked the first time NATO allies used force to neutralise such drones.

Authorities also reported temporary airport closures in Warsaw and Rzeszów, along with air traffic restrictions in the east. While no casualties were reported, some villages sustained damage.

Russia’s Defence Ministry acknowledged carrying out strikes against Ukrainian targets during the same period but denied intending to hit Poland. Belarus said some drones were deflected by Ukrainian countermeasures and veered off course, adding that it had alerted neighbouring countries as drones approached their airspace.

Following the incident, Poland invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, prompting emergency consultations among the 32 NATO member states.

The briefing came amid continued Russian strikes across Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said more than 400 drones and 40 cruise and ballistic missiles were launched on 15 regions between 9 and 10 September, causing civilian deaths, including at least one in Kyiv.

Ms DiCarlo also highlighted the toll of the war in Russia and in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine.

She reminded the Council that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur, are prohibited under international humanitarian law and must stop.

“This week’s events underline the dangerous impact of this war on the security of the region and the risk of escalation,” she said.

“We therefore once again urgently call for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. The end state must be a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions.”