President at the National Security Council: Poland is a participant in the war (video)

• Poland has been involved in a hybrid war for four years. This war is being waged on land, in the sea, and now also in the air, the president said.
• The Russian drone attack was a test of, among other things, the resilience of Polish society and the capabilities of our allies. I have the impression that we passed it," he said.
• We must increase investment in air and missile defense, both in purchasing new systems and in developing domestic technologies, he added.

On Thursday (September 11) , after 5 p.m., the National Security Council began its first meeting chaired by President Karol Nawrocki.

The topic of the meeting is the intrusion of several Russian drones into Polish airspace on the night of September 9-10.

If anyone had any doubts that Poland has been directly involved in a hybrid war for four years, I think those doubts can finally be put to rest on September 10, 2025. Yes, Poland has been participating in a hybrid war for four years.

- said the president, opening the meeting of the National Security Council.

The president pointed out that this war is taking place on land, in the water, and now also in the air.

Karol Nawrocki said that the Russian drone attack was a test of the resilience of Polish society, the stability of political offices, but also of allied capabilities and the ability to respond together with NATO and EU partners.

I have a deep impression that we, as Poland, passed this test of September 10, 2025.

- said the president, reserving that there is still much to be done in terms of security.

The President, emphasizing that it is the duty of the Polish authorities to ensure the safety of the civilian population, stated that this was ensured on the night of September 9-10 primarily thanks to the command staff of the Polish Army, including the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, General Maciej Klisz, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army, General Wiesław Kukuła.

This passed test was also possible thanks to the unity of the political class, the President of Poland, and the Polish government

- he said.

The President emphasized that he had been in constant contact with Prime Minister Donald Tusk since the night .

We met at the Operational Command of the Armed Forces and there we observed the development of the whole situation

- he added.

This unity at the moment when we were attacked by Russian drones had a concrete impact on our functioning in the first hours

- said Nawrocki.

He added that cooperation with the government allowed for the smooth implementation of Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty . He emphasized that unity in decision-making also impacted Polish diplomacy – the president remained in contact with, among others, US President Donald Trump, while ministers contacted EU representatives and other partners.

The president said it was time to draw consequences from what happened and ask ourselves specific questions about what we could have done better.

I am deeply convinced that firstly we need to increase investment in air and missile defense; both in the purchase of new systems and in the development of domestic technologies.

- said the president.

He added that this involves increasing defense spending to 5 percent of GDP.

Nawrocki also referred to his recent visit to Finland, where there is an extensive system of shelters.

I think that we have a good point of reference both in terms of legislative activities and strategic activities.

- he assessed.

Finally, the president warned against succumbing to Russian disinformation.

I would like the National Security Council to become our common commitment and a forum for exchanging pro-state ideas regarding the security and future of Poland.

- he said.

On the night of September 9-10, during Russia's attack on Ukraine, Polish airspace was violated by drones 19 times .

Polish and allied radar systems participated in the defensive operation, tracking several targets and Polish and allied aircraft. Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down.

In addition to ground systems, the operation involved, among others, AWACS early warning aircraft, two F-35 and two F-16 fighters, Mi-24 attack helicopters, as well as multi-role M-17 and Black Hawk helicopters.

The military and security services are searching for aircraft debris. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Interior and Administration, the remains of 16 drones have been found so far.

On Wednesday, President Nawrocki announced that a meeting of the National Security Council regarding the incident would be convened within 48 hours.

He also announced that within 48 hours, Chief of the General Staff, Gen. Wiesław Kukuła, will present a comprehensive report on the events of the night and the actions of the Polish military.