Speaking at a press conference in Warsaw, Poland’s defence chief described the incident as a “provocation by the Russian Federation” and stressed that the timing was deliberate.
Polish defence minister labels drone incident a “Russian provocation”
“We are dealing with a provocation by the Russian Federation, with a Russian drone. This comes at a special moment, when there are ongoing discussions about peace, when there is hope that the war may come to an end. Russia is once again provoking,” he said.
Kosiniak-Kamysz also announced that he had tasked the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces with preparing a comprehensive report on the incident, alongside recommendations. “Russia has repeatedly violated NATO airspace, and this time Poland became the target. That is why we must expand the operational capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces and anti-drone systems,” the defence minister added.
The ministry also urged the public to rely on verified sources of information. “Accurate and truthful data are crucial for building societal resilience. One of the aims of this incident was to sow uncertainty and disinformation within Polish society. That is why it is so important to base ourselves on reliable sources,” the statement said.
The politician added that he had held a security briefing with top commanders and representatives of Poland’s key agencies, including the military counterintelligence service, internal security, military police, and national police.
Allies have also been informed, and Poland’s foreign minister, Radosław Sikorski, will take diplomatic steps in response. The defence ministry remains in close contact with the National Security Bureau (BBN), the prime minister, and the foreign ministry.
The explosion occurred in a cornfield near Osiny, close to Poland's eastern border, leaving a crater several metres wide.
Prosecutors said the drone contained explosive materials, though it remains unclear whether the device detonated in mid-air or on impact. An expert in military armaments has been dispatched to help identify the exact type of drone.
Poland’s top diplomat later confirmed that Warsaw will lodge a formal protest over what he described as “another violation of our airspace from the East.”
The National Security Bureau said the President is being kept informed of developments, with further details expected in the coming hours.
Photo: PAP/Wojtek Jargiło
Osiny, eastern Poland, August 20, 2025 Photo: PAP/Wojtek Jargiło
Since the morning of Wednesday, 20 August, authorities have been investigating a military drone that reportedly crashed in a cornfield in Osiny, near Poland’s eastern border. Photo: PAP/Wojtek Jargiło
On the scene from the morning of Wednesday, 20 August, representative of Polish and international media have been gathering around the cornfield. Photo: PAP/Wojtek Jargiło
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Source: IAR/PAP/MON/X/@PremierRP