NATO Respond to Russian Drone Attack in Poland

Russian attack drones penetrated deep into Polish airspace forcing NATO to scramble fighter jets, F-16s, F-35s, and Patriot air defense systems in the first direct clash between NATO and Russia. Was this a deliberate drone strike on Rzeszów, Poland’s key NATO logistics hub for Ukraine weapons shipments, or a hybrid warfare probing mission? Poland’s president warns this is the closest to open conflict since World War II as millions sheltered in place. We break down Russia’s objectives, NATO’s response, drone warfare costs, Article 4 of the NATO treaty, and the future risk of escalation on the alliance’s eastern flank.