Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Poland is closer to open conflict than since World War II, following multiple Russian drone incursions, including 19 airspace violations, prompting Poland to request NATO consultations under Article 4. This incident marks the first time a NATO member has fired during the Ukraine conflict, with Polish F-16s and NATO allies involved in shooting down drones. Tusk labeled the event a “large-scale provocation,” emphasizing the need for a collective response from NATO and European partners to strengthen air defenses and impose further sanctions on Russia, which denies involvement in the drone incursions.