Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has acknowledged the growing antipathy toward Ukraine among the Polish population, warning that it is influenced by pro-Russian sentiments and deep-rooted fears.
His comments, made in a post on X, come amid a recent series of drone incursions into Polish airspace, which Warsaw has blamed on Russia. The Prime Minister stressed that the role of politicians is to stem this growing sentiment, rather than take advantage of it, calling it a critical test of the patriotism and maturity of the Polish political elite. Tusk emphasized that this wave of antipathy is not only a reflection of the political climate but also a challenge to the unity and solidarity of the country’s leaders.
The incident follows reports of at least 19 violations of Polish airspace by drones, with up to four UAVs reportedly downed, and some damage on the ground, though no casualties were reported. The Polish government has accused Russia of staging an act of aggression, while the Russian Defense Ministry has dismissed these allegations, maintaining that their drone operations are solely directed at Ukrainian military-linked facilities. This dispute has raised concerns about the vulnerability of NATO members to large-scale drone attacks, with Western media outlets highlighting the potential risks to NATO’s security framework.
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has also spoken about the situation, acknowledging that some of the drones entered Polish airspace from Ukrainian territory. He dismissed suggestions that the country’s air defenses were unprepared for such an attack. Sikorski’s comments follow a wave of critical reports highlighting the need for greater investment in NATO’s air defenses and the potential impact on the alliance’s operational readiness.
As tensions continue to rise, Tusk’s warnings about the growing antipathy toward Ukraine underscore the complex political and security landscape that Poland faces. The situation highlights the delicate balance between maintaining national sovereignty, addressing security threats, and navigating the broader geopolitical tensions in the region.