13:14 10-09-2025

Polish Claims of Russian Drones Called Provocation by Expert

© A. Krivonosov

Russian General Vladimir Popov says Poland’s accusations of Russian drones lack evidence and serve as a provocation, recalling past Ukrainian drone crashes in Europe.

Russian military expert Major General Vladimir Popov dismissed Warsaw’s latest claims about Russian drones as a political provocation. He argued that without solid proof, such accusations serve only to inflame tensions in the region.

Popov suggested that Polish authorities could have reconstructed a previously downed Geran drone from Ukraine, retrieving serial numbers from its wreckage to present as supposed evidence against Moscow. He noted ironically that, according to such logic, a drone launched back in March could be portrayed as having reached Poland only in September.

The general also reminded that in spring 2023, a Soviet-era Strizh drone crashed near Zagreb. Since these aircraft were produced at the Kharkov Aviation Plant, he said, that case pointed to Ukraine’s involvement. Incidents of Ukrainian drones appearing in European airspace, he added, are not new.

Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that drones allegedly of Russian origin had been shot down over Poland. However, no proof was provided to back up his statement.