The violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones has underscored the serious challenges facing NATO’s and the EU’s eastern flank. Polish Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) stressed that what is needed is not only political solidarity but also concrete investments in air defense and an increased presence of allied forces—especially in light of Russia’s growing hybrid activities. During a debate in the European Parliament, lawmakers also pointed to the need for additional sanctions against Russia.
On the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace from Ukraine and Belarus. Those posing a direct threat were shot down. On Thursday, at the request of Polish MEPs, the European Parliament held a debate on these unprecedented events. In addition to calls for a united EU and NATO response to Russian actions, participants demanded tougher sanctions on the aggressor, in particular a complete ban on the import of Russian raw materials. MEPs also urged stronger support for Ukraine, while criticizing EU regulations they say disadvantage European farmers and industry. Polish representatives stressed that political declarations and gestures of solidarity are important, but they must be accompanied by concrete action.
“Such debates are crucial because we must constantly remind ourselves how important European solidarity is—whether in financing defense from the EU budget, building resilience, or supporting the arms industry. This is possible thanks to the SAFE program, which was launched under the Polish presidency,” said Krzysztof Hetman, MEP from the Polish People’s Party, in an interview with Newseria.
The SAFE program (Supporting Ammunition and Firearms for Europe) provides loans to support the defense industry in EU member states. According to the European Commission, Poland could receive up to €43.7 billion from a total pool of €150 billion under the scheme. This would enable domestic defense companies to boost production of ammunition, armored vehicles, and air defense systems, directly strengthening the army’s capabilities. However, some MEPs argued that instead of taking on loans, Europe should finance defense needs from frozen and confiscated Russian assets.
“Our security must be built on two pillars: first, our transatlantic partnership with the United States within NATO, and second, the European Union—its solidarity and unity in building security and resilience against the threats we already face directly as Poland, namely provocations and attacks from the Russian Federation,” Hetman added.
In the transatlantic context, attention has focused on U.S. President Donald Trump’s cautious reaction to the incidents in Poland. Arkadiusz Mularczyk, MEP from Law and Justice (PiS), emphasized that immediately after the drone incursion, Polish President Karol Nawrocki spoke with Trump—and that this conversation was key.
“President Trump is trying to end this conflict, trying not to escalate tensions with Russia and Putin, because he wants to bring the war to an end. These attempts have proven unsuccessful, but he is making them, and he should not be criticized for seeking to end the war by any means—whether through persuasion or pressure. Trump promised this during his campaign and reiterated it in office. However, he is confronted with Russia’s aggressive and hostile actions, not only against Ukraine but also against NATO member states,” Mularczyk argued.
For years, Russia has deployed a wide range of hybrid tactics against NATO states: cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, sabotage of critical infrastructure, arson, and provocations in airspace. According to MEPs, this “grey zone” of activity—below the threshold of open war—represents one of Europe’s greatest security challenges. Today’s conflict is waged largely on a psychological level, making deterrence all the more crucial.
“As part of deterrence, I believe an increase in NATO forces—especially American troops—is necessary. The stronger the allied presence, the greater the deterrent effect and the higher the security for Poland,” said Mularczyk.
The latest incidents also come against the backdrop of preparations for the Zapad exercises in Belarus. Russia and Belarus hold these large-scale maneuvers regularly, using them as shows of force and tests of NATO’s responses—previously simulating nuclear strikes and land offensives against Poland and the Baltic states.
“What happened on September 10 was undoubtedly a provocation, a prelude to what we all know is coming: a test of our systems. In my opinion, it is also part of the exercises that Russia has planned on Belarusian territory,” Hetman assessed.
Because of the Zapad 2025 drills, the Polish government has decided to close its border with Belarus until further notice. The most aggressive phase of the maneuvers is scheduled from Friday to Tuesday, simulating, among other things, an attack on the Suwałki Gap. More than 40,000 troops are expected to take part. In response, Poland and the Baltic states are organizing their own military exercises near the borders.
