WARSAW : Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament that Poland received its first alert about the attack at 2006 GMT Tuesday, as Russia launched 415 drones and more than 40 missiles against 15 Ukrainian regions. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 386 drones and 27 missiles.

The first violation of Polish airspace occurred at 2130 GMT, with the last around 0430 GMT Wednesday. Polish authorities confirmed three drones were shot down, with a fourth likely destroyed, and debris from seven drones and parts of a missile were later found across the country, including as far west as Lodz province.

The overnight operation included Polish F-16 fighter jets, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS surveillance aircraft, and refueling planes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said at least eight Russian drones had been directed toward Poland, with some entering via Belarus.

Poland has asked NATO to open consultations under Article 4 of the alliance’s treaty, which calls for urgent discussions if a member’s security is threatened. President Karol Nawrocki will convene the National Security Council within 48 hours.

European officials described the incursion as “deliberate and escalatory.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said early indications suggested the drones intentionally entered European airspace, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged tougher sanctions on Russia.

NATO remains in close contact with Poland. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, the alliance’s top commander, stressed that allies are closely monitoring the situation.

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