Russia Reportedly Sends Shahed Drones Into Polish Airspace, Forcing Airport Closures

Russia launched another wave of Shahed drone strikes overnight, triggering air raid sirens across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, which came under heavy fire.

But this time, the fallout extended beyond Ukraine’s borders. Several Russian-made Shahed drones reportedly entered Polish airspace, according to open-source intelligence. The breach was also confirmed by Rep. Joe Wilson, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, who called the incident “an act of war.”

Poland scrambled fighter jets to intercept the drones, while Romania and several neighboring countries also deployed aircraft in response.

Meanwhile, the Rzeszów airport — a critical logistics hub for funneling Western arms into Ukraine — was temporarily shut down due to what officials described only as “unplanned military activity.” No further details were given. The closure raised alarm, as the facility serves as the main artery for moving weapons and ammunition to Ukrainian forces.

Warsaw also ordered the closure of its two main airports — Chopin and Modlin — citing the same reason.

It remains unclear how many drones penetrated Polish airspace, though reports suggest “at least several,” pointing to a deliberate incursion rather than an accident.

The escalation comes just days before Russia and Belarus are set to kick off their Zapad 2025 military drills in Belarus, scheduled for September 12–16. Western officials have long warned that NATO provocations and stress tests of the alliance’s defenses are built into the exercises. This time, Moscow appears to be moving ahead of schedule.