Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has pledged to advance a “major modernization program” for Poland’s armed forces, following a recent incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace. The incident has escalated international tensions regarding Russia’s territorial ambitions after its invasion of Ukraine, reports AP.
European officials described Wednesday’s incursion as a deliberate provocation, forcing NATO to confront a potential threat within its airspace for the first time. This event has heightened longstanding concerns that the three-year conflict in Ukraine could escalate into a broader regional war.
The Polish Aviation Agency announced on Thursday morning that air traffic restrictions have been imposed in eastern Poland at the request of the Polish military, without providing further details. Some drones reportedly entered Polish airspace from Belarus, where Russian and Belarusian troops are amassing for planned military exercises starting Friday. Poland has also announced the temporary closure of the Belarusian border, linked to these maneuvers.
Highlighting the global implications, China urged Poland to keep part of the Belarusian border open to maintain a China-EU trade corridor, part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Speaking at an airbase in Łask, Prime Minister Tusk praised the rapid response of Polish forces and allied NATO troops from the Netherlands. However, the incident has also sparked debate over the use of advanced fighter jets to shoot down relatively inexpensive drones.
