Poland Warns It Will Shoot Down Threatening Airspace Violations

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Monday that Poland will not hesitate to shoot down any objects that violate its airspace and pose a threat, while stressing caution in situations that risk escalating conflict with Russia.

The warning comes after Estonia accused three Russian fighter jets of breaching its airspace on Friday. Moscow denied the claim, calling it a provocation. The alleged incident follows a night in early September when more than 20 Russian drones crossed into Poland, and two Russian jets flew near the Petrobaltic drilling platform in the Baltic Sea.

«We will take the decision to shoot down flying objects when they violate our territory and fly over Poland – there is absolutely no discussion about that,» Tusk said. He added that less clear incidents, such as jets flying close to but not inside Polish waters, required restraint to avoid triggering «a very acute phase of conflict.»

Tusk emphasised the importance of NATO unity:

«I also need to be absolutely certain… that all allies will treat this in exactly the same way as we do.»

The U.N. Security Council is expected to meet Monday to discuss the latest tensions, as NATO leaders weigh how to respond to what some see as Russian attempts to test the alliance’s resolve.

Kursiv Uzbekistan thousands of workers and students across Italy staged a nationwide strike and mass demonstrations on Monday to protest Israel’s war in Gaza and show solidarity with Palestinians.