Last night, Poland's airspace was breached 19 times by drones manufactured in Russia. The assessment of Polish and NATO air forces is that they did not veer off course, but were deliberately targeted.

The Polish Air Force, assisted by our allies from the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany, shot them down. Property was damaged, but fortunately nobody was injured. As Prime Minister Donald Tusk reminded us this morning, even though NATO is not at war, Russian aggression strikes beyond Ukraine.

Here at the Foreign Ministry, we took immediate action. I communicated with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, High Representative Kaja Kallas, and OSCE Chair-in-Office Elina Valtonen. We thank our allies for words of solidarity and their readiness to back them with deeds. We are taking appropriate measures.

First, Poland has activated NATO's Article 4, which provides for joint consultations between NATO allies, quote, "Whenever in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of any of the parties is threatened." End quote. We believe Russian provocations call for further strengthening of NATO's eastern flank.

Second, a representative of the Embassy of the Russian Federation was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and presented with a protest note. I am aware that Russia claims there is no evidence these were Russian drones, even suggesting a Ukrainian provocation. This was anticipated. Lies and denials are default Soviet responses. The Kremlin is again mocking President Trump's peace efforts.

Third, we are countering disinformation. I call on everyone to rely on governmental sources and on information from verified media outlets. Anyone claiming that this was a Ukrainian provocation is spreading Russian propaganda. Poland, the EU, and NATO will not be intimidated, and we will continue to stand by the brave people of Ukraine.

It's time for the leadership of Russia to understand that the attempt to rebuild Europe's lost empire is doomed to fail.