'Unprecedented' Russian Drones Shot Down

Polish and allied NATO forces shot down several Russian drones overnight during what was described as "unprecedented" aggression in its airspace, ABC News reports.

At least 19 Russian drones were reported to have violated Polish airspace overnight, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

"Last night the Polish airspace was violated by a huge number of Russian drones. Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down. I am in constant communication with the Secretary General of NATO and our allies," Tusk wrote on his X account Wednesday (September 10) morning.

Polish and allied aircrafts reacted to "help ensure safety in Polish skies" overnight as operations ended early Wednesday morning, with search efforts for the downed drones and potential impact sites continuing.

Poland's military command said the violations were "unprecedented," acknowledging that they stemmed from "an act of aggression that posed a real threat to the safety of our citizens." No casualties were reported by Polish authorities in relation to the drone incident.

Tusk said that the incident marked the first time in history that Russian drones were shot down on NATO territory, claiming the incident "changes the political situation" amid Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine. The prime minister also told parliament that he requested invocation of NATO Article 4, which allows a member to convene a meeting of allies to discuss an issue that could pose a threat to its security.

“Today we must say very loudly and clearly to the entire Western world and all our allies -- Article 4 is only the beginning of deeper cooperation for the security of our skies and our border, which is NATO’s border, and words alone are by no means enough,” Tusk said via ABC News.

"This is not just a war for Ukrainians," he added. "This is a confrontation that Russia has declared against the entire free world."