President Donald Trump reacted Wednesday after Russian drones crossed into Poland, a NATO member he has pledged to defend. The overnight incident marked the most serious escalation of Russia’s war in Ukraine to spill into alliance territory so far.
“What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!” Trump wrote in a short Truth Social post.
According to NATO, more than a dozen drones entered Polish airspace, prompting fighter jets from Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and other allied forces to shoot them down. It was the first time NATO weapons were used since the start of the Ukraine war.
The White House confirmed that Trump spoke with Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Wednesday. “Today’s talks confirmed allied unity,” Nawrocki said in a statement. Polish officials are now pushing for more U.S. support, including deployment of a Patriot missile battery on the Polish-Ukrainian border and faster delivery of F-35 fighter jets scheduled for January.
Trump has repeatedly pledged support for Poland. During a recent Oval Office meeting with Nawrocki, he said, “We’ll put more there if they want… we’re very much aligned with Poland.” He later added, “The U.S. is with Poland all the way, and we will help Poland protect itself.”
The drone strikes come as Trump considers tougher sanctions on Moscow. On Tuesday, he urged European officials to raise tariffs on Russian energy buyers such as China and India up to 100%. European sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan met U.S. officials in Washington this week to discuss next steps.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said he had spoken with Trump about the incursion and pledged cooperation to “make a decisive contribution to peace and security.” U.K. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also promised additional support for Poland, though it’s unclear whether aid will come individually or as part of a broader NATO effort.
Trump has said he is ready to impose new penalties on Russia and suggested he may speak directly with Vladimir Putin “this week or early next week.”
