Ukrainian & Polish American Groups Denounce Russian Provocation of Poland

Two major American civic organizations, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and the Polish American Congress (PAC), have denounced Russia’s violation of Warsaw’s sovereign airspace and endangering of NATO’s eastern flank.

On Tuesday night New York time, September 9, several Russian drones that were targeted to hit Ukraine, crossed into Polish airspace, raising fears of Moscow’s expansion of its invasion of Ukraine. It has been commonly expected that Russia would enlarge its war zone to include the former captive nations of Eastern Europe.

Poland confirmed that a number of Russian drones entered its airspace during an attack on Ukraine early Wednesday local times and were shot down with the help of NATO allies, a first since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor.

Leaders across Europe condemned the incident as the latest sign of escalation from the Kremlin, which has rebuffed President Donald Trump’s bid to broker peace talks.

Russia denied as always, the accusations “groundless" and said it did not plan to attack any targets in Poland.

However, Poland’s foreign minister says Poland and NATO believe the country was “deliberately targeted” by Russia.

In a video from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski noted: “The assessment of Polish and Nato air forces is, they did not veer off course, but were deliberately targeted.”

He added that, with NATO’s help, some drones were shot down. Properties were damaged, but nobody was injured.

President Donald Trump has weighed in on the situation, posting on his social media platform Truth Social. In a short statement, he quipped: “What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!”

Following is the statement issued by the UCCA and the PAC.

The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and the Polish American Congress (PAC) strongly condemn russia’s most recent act of aggression, which violated Poland’s sovereign airspace and endangered NATO’s eastern flank.

On September 9th, Poland, with the support of NATO allies, was compelled to shoot down russian drones that entered its territory during a massive aerial assault on Ukraine—the largest of its kind since the full-scale invasion began. This marked the first time that a NATO member has been forced to take direct military action against russian aggression during its genocidal war against Ukraine.

Despite moscow’s denials, Poland confirmed that 19 objects breached its airspace, and it acted decisively to neutralize those posing threats to its citizens. This grave provocation triggered Article Four of NATO’s treaty, underscoring the seriousness of russia’s escalating aggressiveness.

This large-scale provocation underscores the grave danger of Russia’s escalating recklessness, which not only threatens Ukraine but deliberately tests NATO’s resolve. Such behavior is unacceptable and must be met with unity, strength, and decisive action. 

As representatives of the Ukrainian and Polish American communities, UCCA and PAC reaffirm our shared commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, to Poland’s security, and to the defense of democratic values. Our advocacy in the past underscored that any hesitation only emboldens the kremlin.  Thus, we call upon the United States government and our NATO allies to:

• Tighten and expand sanctions, including secondary sanctions, to strangle russia’s war machine;

• Accelerate and increase support for Ukraine with urgent military, economic, and humanitarian assistance it needs to win;

• Strengthen NATO’s eastern flank to ensure the safety and security of all alliance members.

russia’s escalating attacks not only threaten Ukraine, but are a direct challenge to NATO, a blatant assault on international law, and a grave threat to global security. A just and lasting peace can only be achieved by ensuring Ukraine’s total victory and holding russia fully accountable for its crimes.

Together, we stand united—in defense of freedom, democracy, and peace.

www.ucca.org • www.pac1944.org