Poland warns Russia may use captured Ukrainian drones for false‑flag provocations

Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz said Russia has seized a significant number of Ukrainian unmanned aircraft and could repurpose them for false‑flag operations aimed at NATO members, especially Poland and the Baltic states. He warned that such drones could be modified and deployed to provoke attacks while being blamed on Ukraine, adding that this is part of a broader hybrid threat that includes cyber attacks, GPS‑jamming and disinformation campaigns.

Poland is raising its defensive readiness, discussing the issue in a security‑committee meeting and emphasizing the need for solidarity with NATO allies. Lithuanian officials have echoed the warning, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk has described the coming months as “critical” for European security amid intensified Russian pressure on Ukraine and heightened hybrid activity.

The Polish government stresses that Russia’s tactics aim to test NATO cohesion and that Poland must remain prepared for both military and non‑military provocations.