Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for the international community to step up pressure on Moscow after Russian drones violated Polish airspace overnight, escalating tensions in Eastern Europe.
Polish officials reported that multiple drones entered the country late Tuesday and early Wednesday, with several shot down with NATO assistance. The incident marked the first time the alliance has engaged a direct aerial threat inside its territory since its formation in 1949.
Defence Minister David McGuinty would not confirm whether Canadian forces were involved in downing the drones, but emphasized Canada’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine through training, weapons, and intelligence. “We’re not going to take our foot off the accelerator,” McGuinty said, describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as unwilling to engage in “adult conversations” about a ceasefire.
Carney, writing on social media, called the attack a dangerous escalation and said the world “must increase the pressure” on Russia to end its war and agree to a lasting peace. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand echoed his comments, stressing that Canada stands firmly with both Poland and Ukraine as NATO allies consult on a collective response.
Polish leaders described the incident as an “act of aggression,” while European officials warned it was a deliberate escalation. NATO said Dutch and Polish forces led the response, while Germany and Italy were placed on alert.
The U.S. reiterated its pledge to defend “every inch of NATO territory.” Meanwhile, Russia denied deliberately targeting Poland, with Belarus claiming some drones veered off course due to signal jamming.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre used the incident to press for a stronger Canadian military, warning that the country must be ready to stand up to Russian aggression alongside its allies.
The breach comes just ahead of Russian and Belarusian military exercises scheduled in Belarus, fuelling further concern across Europe. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he has been in direct talks with leaders in France, Germany, Italy, the U.K., and the U.S., underscoring the seriousness of the incident.
Would you like me to also merge this story with your earlier request about Carney’s remarks on Israel’s Qatar strike into one larger piece on Canada’s shifting foreign policy stance, or keep them as separate reports?