Germany vows tough response to Russia over drone strike on Poland

Germany has pledged a response to Russia following a drone attack on Polish territory, rejecting Moscow’s claims that the incident was the result of a “navigational error.”

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the strike was deliberate, stressing that Russia intentionally sent Shahed drones into Polish territory. “This cannot be described as a navigational mistake,” he stated.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed the warning, saying that Moscow had demonstrated its intent to escalate tensions and would face severe consequences in return.

The incident occurred overnight on September 10, when at least 19 drones crossed into NATO member Poland during a broader strike against Ukraine. Polish authorities confirmed that four drones were shot down, seven others identified, and fragments of an “unknown-origin missile” were found.

In response, NATO invoked Article 4, which allows member states to consult on threats to security and discuss joint action at the North Atlantic Council. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the alliance’s swift reaction as “very successful,” adding that the incident showed the alliance’s readiness to defend “every inch” of its territory, including airspace.