Poland is developing legislative changes that would allow its armed forces to shoot down Russian drones over Ukraine without prior approval from NATO or the EU. Sources close to the defense ministry disclosed information about such plans, saying that the relevant document was submitted in June and its expedited consideration in Parliament is possible.

According to the previously approved regulation, the president could authorize the deployment of military units upon the government’s recommendation in cases of armed conflict, a humanitarian mission, or the fight against terrorism or the evacuation of citizens. The changes are proposed to be framed so that decisions can be made more quickly in response to airborne threats, while leaving the state the option to act promptly in crisis situations.

According to materials processed by the government in 2022, the changes required the consent of NATO, the EU, and the foreign country where Polish units would be stationed. The Commission investigating Russian influence later critically assessed this provision, stressing that it limited Warsaw’s ability to respond quickly to threats on the borders with Ukraine and Belarus.

The current coalition led by Donald Tusk aims to repeal these regulatory constraints, guided by the principle often called “shoot first, ask questions later” – this should give the forces greater autonomy when responding to drone attacks. According to reports, the consideration of the draft amendments is planned to be held in a fast-track procedure to implement the changes as quickly as possible.

“shoot first, ask questions later”

– Gazeta Wyborcza

Airspace Violations and NATO’s Response

In the night of September 10, Russian drones violated Poland’s airspace. According to the prime minister, part of the drones were shot down – of 19 aircraft, about four were destroyed, and one drone caused damage to residential buildings in the Lublin Voivodeship. On the day of the incident, the country activated Article 4 of the Washington Treaty to discuss the situation, and the prime minister said that further restrictions would not be introduced because of this case.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the drones that attacked Ukraine could have crossed the Polish border and expressed willingness to consult with Warsaw. The Kremlin declined to comment publicly on the events.

On September 12, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the start of the “Eastern Shield” operation on the Alliance’s eastern flank with the aim of eliminating threats associated with the use of drones, which will operate in Poland and Romania. On September 14, the President of Poland Karol Nawrocki signed a resolution allowing the presence of NATO member state troops on the country’s territory within this operation.

On September 13, in the northern regions of Romania, an air alert was declared due to the threat of attack drones. At 18:12 two F-16 fighters were scrambled, which around 19:00 intercepted a Russian Shahed-type drone over the Danube. The Ministry of Defense clarified that the drone did not fly over populated areas and did not pose a direct threat to civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the Russian drone was over Romania for about an hour and a half.

On September 19, three Russian fighter aircraft temporarily remained in Estonia’s airspace. Estonia’s Foreign Minister called this a violation of territorial integrity and the principles of the UN Charter. On September 22, an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was held in New York due to the violation of Estonia’s airspace. Also participating was Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, who stressed the need for immediate neutralization of threats. On September 23, NATO held a North Atlantic Council meeting pursuant to Article 4 of the Washington Treaty, where Russia’s actions regarding Estonia’s airspace were discussed.

In these events, Warsaw emphasizes the need for faster and more effective decisions on using drones and strengthened threat response in the region, underscoring Poland’s growing role within the Western alliance.