Thu Sep 11 19:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Poland Invokes NATO Article 4 After Alleged Russian Drone Incursions
**Brussels, Belgium** – Poland triggered Article 4 of the NATO treaty Wednesday after reporting 19 breaches of its airspace by Russian drones amid escalating tensions related to the ongoing war in Ukraine. NATO fighter jets reportedly shot down multiple drones that violated Polish airspace.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident as an “unprecedented violation” and a potential “Russian provocation,” noting that many drones entered Polish airspace from Belarus. Polish officials said the sheer number of drones suggests a deliberate act. Some drones have been identified as Russian versions of the Iranian-designed Shahed, known as Gerbera.
Article 4 of the NATO treaty allows any member country to bring an issue to the North Atlantic Council for discussion and potential joint action. It differs from Article 5, which establishes that an attack on one member is an attack on all, triggering a collective defense response.
The North Atlantic Council convened Wednesday in Brussels to discuss Poland’s concerns. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that allies “expressed solidarity with Poland and denounced Russia’s reckless behavior,” adding that a “full assessment of the incident is ongoing.”
Polish President Karol Nawrocki claimed the incursion was an attempt by Russia to “test our capabilities and response” within NATO. In response, Poland’s Armed Forces announced a restriction on air traffic in the eastern part of the country through December 9. Poland has also requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Russia’s defense ministry denied targeting Polish territory, claiming its drone strikes in Ukraine did not extend into Poland. They dismissed the incident as “myths repeatedly spread by Poland in order to escalate the Ukrainian crisis further.”
This marks the eighth time Article 4 has been invoked since NATO’s formation. Most recently, Poland and other Eastern European nations requested consultations following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
While U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, stated it is not yet known if the incursion was intentional or unintentional, the incident has raised concerns about potential escalation and further strained relations between NATO and Russia. Former U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to the incident on social media, expressing bewilderment.
Currently, approximately 10,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Poland.
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