Zelenskyy proposes joint interceptor drone program after Russian attack on Poland

Zelenskyy compared Russia’s Sept. 10 drone attack on Poland to the Kremlin’s 2014 seizure of Crimea, warning of the psychological impact.

“In my view, the most frightening part is that this attack is reminiscent of Crimea. Psychologically… how is it different? Now it’s technological warfare. There’s no need for little green men to cross your territory anymore,” he said.

The president added that drones played the same role in Poland that Russian troops once did in Crimea.

Russia’s drone attack on Poland

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace overnight on Sept. 10, most from Belarus. Four were reportedly shot down. Poland’s Interior Ministry also confirmed debris from an unidentified missile was found.

One drone crashed into a residential building in the village of Wyrzyki-Wola in Lublin Voivodeship, damaging the property but causing no injuries.

Reuters, citing a source, reported NATO does not consider the drone incursions an armed attack but does see them as deliberate. NATO convened on Sept. 10 to discuss its response.

Warsaw called an emergency government meeting and tightened security measures, with territorial defense forces ordered to shorten response times in several regions.

Polish government spokesman Adam Szlapka later confirmed NATO had invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which calls for consultations when any member considers its territorial integrity, political independence, or security under threat.

U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, writing on Truth Social: “What’s with Russia’s violation of Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go.”