Warsaw, Poland – Poland has formally requested consultations with its NATO allies by invoking Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, following a significant incursion of Russian drones into its airspace. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the decision on Tuesday, stating that the violation posed a direct threat to Polish security and marked a new phase in the ongoing confrontation with Russia. This marks the seventh time Article 4 has been invoked in NATO's history, underscoring the gravity of the situation on the alliance's eastern flank.

The incident involved at least 19 intrusions into Polish airspace overnight, with a substantial number of drones entering from Belarus. Polish and allied forces engaged and downed several of these drones, with the last one being intercepted early Tuesday morning. The discovery of drone wreckage at multiple crash sites has confirmed the extent of the violation.

Article 4 of the NATO treaty allows any member state to request consultations when it believes its territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened. Unlike Article 5, which pertains to collective self-defense and can trigger military action, Article 4 initiates a process of discussion and potential joint decision-making among allies. This move by Poland aims to secure greater support from NATO for its air defense.

Prime Minister Tusk emphasized that while expressions of solidarity are appreciated, "words are not enough," and Poland expects tangible assistance. He also highlighted that the drone incursions are part of a broader pattern of escalating tensions, with Russia and Belarus preparing for aggressive military exercises. Tusk warned that the possibility of a major military conflict is closer than at any time since World War II, though he stressed there is no immediate indication of a state of war.

The invocation of Article 4 comes as NATO closely monitors the evolving security landscape. While the alliance is in communication with Warsaw and consulting on the matter, it is reportedly not treating the incursion as a direct attack under Article 5 at this stage. The situation underscores the persistent challenges faced by NATO members bordering Russia and Belarus, and the ongoing need for vigilance and coordinated defense strategies.