Russian drones and missiles have frequently breached NATO airspace in the past. Indeed, Ukrainian officials have complained that their allies have chosen to turn a blind eye to previous incursions. In late August a Shahed drone crashed in a cornfield in eastern Poland,

NATO fighter jets shot down multiple Russian drones that violated Polish airspace during an attack on neighboring Ukraine early on Wednesday, as the military alliance denounced Moscow for “absolutely dangerous” behavior that ratcheted up tensions to a new level.

The Polish military called the incursions an “act of aggression.” It said the drones crossed the border during a wave of Russian strikes in Ukraine.

The Polish prime minister said there had been a serious violation of his country's airspace by Russian drones.

NATO engaged with Russia's military for the first time overnight after Polish and Dutch fighter jets were scrambled to intercept Russian drones above Poland.

Article 4 allows member states to start a formal discussion within the alliance about threats to their security. It does not commit the alliance to military action.

Polish airspace was violated by Russian drones 19 times overnight, with NATO fighters shooting several of them down.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Wednesday he had asked NATO to open consultations under Article 4 of the alliance's treaty after Poland shot down drones in its airspace following what he called a "large-scale provocation" by Russia.