Drone Neutralized Over Government Buildings in Warsaw
Polish security services neutralized a drone flying over government buildings in Warsaw on September 15, detaining two suspects amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing military exercises near the Polish border.
Polish authorities neutralized a drone flying over sensitive government buildings in central Warsaw on September 15, 2025, according to an announcement by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The incident, which occurred near the Belweder Palace and other official sites, led to the detention of two individuals suspected of operating the drone. The suspects, identified as a 17-year-old Belarusian woman and a 21-year-old Ukrainian man, were both legally residing in Poland. Initial reports from the Prime Minister described both as Belarusian citizens, but further details clarified their nationalities and residency status. No shots were fired during the operation, and the drone was brought down safely by the State Protection Service.
Security Response and Investigation
The State Protection Service, responsible for safeguarding government officials and buildings, responded swiftly after detecting the drone. According to Polish security spokesperson Jacek Dobrzynski, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are considering whether the incident was a result of carelessness or ignorance on the part of the young suspects. The event has heightened concerns in Warsaw, coming just days after a series of Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, which prompted the military to shoot down several drones for the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Regional Tensions and NATO Response
The drone incident coincides with the Russia-Belarus Zapad-2025 military exercises, which began on September 12 and are scheduled to conclude on September 16. These drills, held in Belarus and western Russia, have raised alarms among NATO’s eastern members, including Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. In response to recent airspace violations, NATO has launched the Eastern Sentry mission, with member states contributing aircraft and military assets to bolster regional air defenses. The Polish government has also closed all border crossings with Belarus during the exercises, reflecting heightened security concerns.
International media have noted that the neutralization of the drone in Warsaw is part of a broader pattern of increased airspace violations and military posturing in the region. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Poland and its NATO allies as tensions with Russia and Belarus remain high.