During the night of September 9–10, and for the first time since 1945, European fighter jets were forced to shoot down enemy aircraft over NATO territory: at least 19 Russian drones and one cruise missile violated Polish airspace. This was not an “incident,” but a deliberate test of Europe’s defenses.
Since July, Polish and Lithuanian SIM cards have been found in Russian drones shot down over Ukraine, revealing methodical preparation. Moscow programs its drones to connect to European telecommunications networks, turning each drone into an intelligence sensor: identifying defense installations and radar stations, analyzing protocols, and measuring the reaction times of European air defense forces. The Kremlin is no longer content with striking Ukraine—it is mapping Europe’s vulnerabilities.
Several drones carried no explosives, confirming suspicions of reconnaissance missions. The operation coincided with Russian-Belarusian military exercises “Zapad-2025,” which simulate precisely this type of aggression. Its timing—just days before the drills—underscores the strategy of intimidation.
War of attrition and terror
This escalation comes alongside intensified bombardments on Ukraine, including strikes on the British Council and European Union buildings in Kyiv. On September 7, Russia launched its largest missile and drone assault since the beginning of the invasion. The campaign of attrition seeks to break Ukraine’s morale and economy ahead of any potential political settlement.
Europe, however, cannot be content with a purely defensive strategy of shooting down stray drones over its own territory. Waiting for Russian projectiles to cross EU borders leaves the initiative to the adversary. Protection must be extended upstream—intercepting threats in Ukrainian airspace before they reach Europe.
Sky Shield Initiative
The Sky Shield plan, proposed by the Ukrainian civic group Price of Freedom and backed by hundreds of European and American political leaders and senior officers, envisions Europe shooting down Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine. The mission would involve up to 120 allied fighter jets patrolling Ukrainian skies, in coordination with the Ukrainian Air Force.
Supporters stress that such a mission would not constitute aggression against Russia. International conventions on humanitarian aid, nuclear protection, and civil aviation provide full justification.
The objectives are clear: protect Ukraine’s critical infrastructure—including nuclear power plants and major cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa—strengthen the economy, boost morale, and allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to focus on the eastern front. Such a strategy could also increase pressure on Russia to consider ceasefire talks.
Russian Drones in Poland
On the night of August 10, during a mass Russian strike on Ukraine, about 20 drones crossed into Polish airspace. Poland scrambled fighter jets, downing four drones, while debris from 16 others was recovered.