Overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, we witnessed an escalation. A large number of drones entered Polish airspace. Can we speak of an attack?
PŁ: The drone incursion was unprecedented. For the first time, NATO forces shot down foreign unmanned aerial vehicles. Violations of third countries’ airspace have happened before, but what made this incident unique was both the scale of the breach and the decisive response – defending Polish airspace and shooting the drones down. Importantly, allied forces also took part in the operation.
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Many are asking whether NATO is actually functioning.
PŁ: It clearly is! Both militarily – in the most direct sense – and diplomatically. A meeting under Article 4 of the Treaty was convened. Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack, apart from infrastructure damage. What we are clearly dealing with here are hostile Russian intentions. That same day, Russia attacked Ukraine with hundreds of drones and missiles. The fact that some of those drones also crossed into Poland shows what intentions Russia holds toward Ukraine’s allies.
What could stop Russia from continuing such actions?
PŁ: The situation surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is so dynamic that it’s difficult to anticipate specific events. The response undertaken by Poland’s air forces, alongside our allies, was adapted to the threat level posed by the drones – and it was resolute. I’d like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to allied forces for their support.
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Considering the large number of drones and the hours-long operation, it’s hard to see this as accidental. What was Russia’s goal?
PŁ: The motives will be analyzed by the Polish services and armed forces, as well as by our allies. Our diplomatic mission in Kyiv is also involved in this process. What matters most is that disaster was averted, the response was strong, and a clear signal has been sent to Russia – one that needs no further explanation.
What specific lessons from Ukraine can Poland draw on and learn from?
PŁ: Poland is already learning from Ukraine. We’re witnessing a kind of war that’s very different from those we’ve known – it differs in duration, scale, and intensity. It’s unlike the wars in Afghanistan or Iraq, in which I myself took part. We must also recognize lessons beyond the military – namely, social resilience. Ukrainian society, subjected to brutal aggression – not since 2022, but since 2014 – is managing remarkably well under enormous societal stress. The role of civil society organizations, veterans, and the military within society is crucial.
PŁ: A good example is the initiative “Women’s Watch,” which operates nationwide and teaches women how to cope – to put it plainly – without their husbands. They publish handbooks and guides on how to survive this difficult time of war. What we’re seeing is a state that acts decisively. Ukraine has always been a decentralized country, but war has led to greater centralization. We often hear that Ukraine receives aid and that questions arise about its gratitude. I experience that gratitude every day. But I also want to stress: Ukraine is a source of knowledge.
Diplomatic efforts to end the war are ongoing. Yet at the same time, we’re seeing an escalation by Moscow. Is there any sign of peace or a ceasefire on the horizon?
PŁ: The escalation is evident in grim statistics. Just a few months ago, Russia was launching several dozen drones – now it’s hundreds. Russia has committed enormous resources to this war. In doing so, it is destroying the future of its own citizens. And I must say with a heavy sense of satisfaction: Ukrainian defenders are eliminating Russian invaders on a large scale. Russia will not win this war – in fact, it strategically lost it in the first weeks of the invasion. Even tactically, it has failed to achieve its goals. The Russian economy is also struggling. Russia must finally come to terms with the fact that it will not achieve its objectives.
Should we expect the war to end or be paused before the end of this year?
PŁ: I am a firm believer that the fate of this war will be decided on the battlefield. Politically, neither side can be forced into major concessions. Pressure could perhaps lead to a freezing of the conflict to make negotiations possible – but Russia is not interested in that. Ukrainians also know very well what kinds of atrocities and torture take place in the occupied territories. That is yet another powerful reason to continue defending their country and pursuing the path toward the EU and NATO.
The conversation took place on Sept. 10, 2025. Following the interview, France, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and the UK decided to reinforce their military presence in Poland and along NATO’s eastern flank.