The Bunker – News without the nonsense Russia, Poland and drones – What happens next? – This is Not a Drill crossover
Sep 11, 2025
Gavin Esler chats with Ian Garner, an expert on Russian politics from the Pilecki Institute. They break down the alarming breach of Polish airspace by Russian drones, sparking response from NATO. Ian details Poland's historical context of anti-Russian sentiment and the implications for regional stability. The discussion shifts to the political unity emerging in Poland as leaders like Donald Tusk navigate these tensions. They also explore the public's growing concerns about security within NATO against the backdrop of current geopolitical dynamics.
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Drones Crossed Polish Airspace Overnight
- About 10–12 Russian drones crossed Polish airspace and four were shot down by Polish F-35s overnight.
- The incursion alarmed Warsaw, triggered public alerts and closed national airspace, making it a significant NATO security event.
Testing NATO's Red Lines
- The likely purpose of such incursions is to test NATO's red lines and responses rather than to cause mass damage.
- Putin's strategy over the past decade has been to push boundaries incrementally to see what the West will tolerate.
Invoke Consultation Not Collective Defence
- Poland is invoking Article 4 to trigger consultation among NATO allies rather than Article 5 immediate collective defence.
- Expect high-level security discussions and likely symbolic support rather than immediate military intervention from allies.