Germany summons Russian ambassador over drones in Polish airspace

The Foreign Office wrote on X that the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin were "dangerous" and "unacceptable."

"NATO stands united to defend our alliance territory and our security," the ministry wrote.

France and the Netherlands have also summoned Russian envoys following the violation of Poland's airspace by 19 Russian drones, which occurred late Tuesday and early Wednesday during attacks on neighbouring Ukraine.

The threat led to a scramble by the Polish Air Force and NATO allies to shoot down the unmanned aircraft. It was the first time Russian drones had been taken down over NATO territory.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that he does not believe the airspace violation was an accident.

Speaking on Wednesday, Merz said he shares Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's assessment that "the Russian government's claim that this was a coincidence or an oversight, so to speak, is not credible."