Polish authorities have so far identified seven drones and the “remains of a missile of unidentified origin,” Interior Ministry spokesperson Karolina Gałecka told reporters.

According to The Guardian, at the same briefing, Armed Forces Operational Command spokesperson Jacek Goryszewski said several of the drones observed overnight appeared to resemble “Gerbera” decoy drones, though verification is still underway.

He added that the missile debris is currently classified as being of “unknown origin” and may later turn out to be a defensive missile.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reacted to the incident, saying “the full assessment is on-going,” but emphasizing:

“Whether it was intentionally or not, it is absolutely reckless, it is absolutely dangerous. To Putin, my message is clear: stop the war in Ukraine, stop escalating the war, which he is now basically mounting on innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure, and stop violating allied airspace.”

“Know that we stand ready, that we are vigilant, and that we will defend every inch of NATO territory,” he added.

Rutte praised the overnight response as “very successful.”

“We always have to make sure that we are one step ahead, but I think last night showed that we are able to defend every inch of NATO territory, including, of course, its airspace.”

Meanwhile, European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius warned on :

“Once again Russia tests frontier states, EU & NATO. We must urgently develop a ‘Drone Wall’ along entire EU Eastern flank, right now the most important common flagship project. We shall work together with Member States, frontier countries and Ukraine. Russia will be stopped.”

The Kremlin, for its part, declined to comment on the overnight developments, referring questions to its defense ministry.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said there were 19 drone intrusions into Polish airspace overnight, many from Belarus. Four were shot down, the last at 6:45 a.m. (0445 UTC), Reuters reported.

Tusk confirmed Poland has formally requested the activation of NATO’s Article 4, saying:

“The fact that these drones, which posed a security threat, were shot down changes the political situation. Therefore, allied consultations took the form of a formal request to activate Article 4 of the NATO Treaty.”

He said Poland needs more than symbolic support: “Poland needs more than expressions of solidarity and more support from allies.” While clarifying the country is not at war, he warned: “It’s in a situation closest to armed conflict since World War Two.”

Russia dismissed the accusations as “groundless,” with its envoy in Warsaw summoned to the Foreign Ministry.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine had warned Poland of drone movements:

“Even at night, the Ukrainian military reported to the Polish side… At least several dozen Russian drones moved along the border of Ukraine and Belarus… apparently, Poland.”

He suggested the scale was greater than first thought: “Updated data suggests around two dozen drones may have entered Polish airspace.”

Zelensky added: “Ukraine is ready… so that not only information is exchanged, but real joint actions in the sky are carried out. Russia must feel that Europeans know how to defend themselves.”

Poland’s Rzeczpospolita estimated 23 drones entered Polish territory, calling it likely a deliberate Russian test. The outlet also criticized the Defense Ministry for “striking indifference” toward counter-drone systems, noting the SkyCTRL program had been abandoned despite millions spent.