Could Vladimir Putin target major Western cities after the drone incursion into Poland?
The recent Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace has sparked serious warnings from both Ukrainian and NATO officials. Some of the drones traveled deep into NATO territory but were not armed, leading Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski to suggest that Moscow may have been “testing Europe’s defenses without starting a war.”
Ukraine’s UN envoy, Andriy Melnyk, issued an even more alarming warning. He said if Russia faces no strong response, Putin could go further and target London, Paris, Berlin, or even the US.
“If this escalation remains unanswered, tomorrow it could be drones or even missiles over Berlin, Paris, or London. And the next day, something could even ‘accidentally’ fly across the Atlantic,” Melnyk told the UN.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) backed his statement, noting the incursion appeared to be a deliberate attempt to escalate and test international reactions.
Melnyk also accused Russia of showing contempt for the UN Security Council, warning:
“If this Council cannot stop this new phase of escalation, we are staring into the abyss of World War III.”
Meanwhile, US Acting Permanent Representative to the UN, Dorothy Shea, reiterated that Washington remains committed to defending “every inch of NATO.” She also emphasized that Russia’s drone incursions undermine US-led efforts to negotiate peace, while calling on Moscow to engage directly with Ukraine.
To reinforce NATO’s eastern defenses, France announced it is deploying Rafale fighter jets to Poland. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the move was coordinated with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, stressing it is meant as a clear warning to the Kremlin.
With Russia intensifying its long-range strikes since mid-August 2025, analysts say the coming months could be decisive. Either Western powers deliver a strong, united response, or Moscow may feel emboldened to push its aggression even further.
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