Ukrainian forces to provide anti-drone training in Poland after airspace breach

Following the violation of Polish airspace by at least 19 Russian drones earlier this week, representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will travel to Poland to provide their neighbours with anti-drone training.

Of the at least 19 drones that flew into Polish territory, four were shot down by Polish and NATO aircraft.

Following the incident, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed training to strengthen Poland's defences against drones.

On Wednesday, Zelenskyy spoke by phone with Polish President Karol Nawrocki about the airspace violations, with both leaders acknowledging the incident had been on a bigger scale than previous incidents.

"This is a different level of escalation on Russia's part and must be met with an appropriate response," Zelenskyy said.

He announced that Ukraine would offer Poland training on how to combat Russian drones, especially Iran-made Shaheds, which the Ukrainian army already has extensive experience in dealing with.

"We have agreed with Donald (Tusk) on appropriate cooperation at the military level. We will also coordinate with all NATO member states," Zelenskyy said in a post on X.

Following media reports that the training would take place in Ukraine, the Polish Ministry of Defence clarified in a statement on X that they would actually be held in Poland.

"We would like to inform you that advanced discussions are currently underway between specialists from both countries concerning deepened cooperation in the area of drone and anti-drone systems," the ministry wrote.

"All these activities are to take place on the territory of Poland."

Update: This article has been amended to include a correction regarding the location of Polish troops' training.