Poland`s military said early Wednesday that it had shot down drones that violated its airspace during a Russian attack on neighboring Ukraine, the first time it has taken such a step in what is a major provocation for Europe and NATO forces, writes CNN.

“This is an act of aggression that posed a real threat to the safety of our citizens,” said Poland’s Operation Command in a post on X Wednesday morning.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said it was the first time Russian drones had been shot down over the territory of a NATO member state and the incursion involved a "huge number" of them. "We are most likely dealing with a large-scale provocation," Tusk said on Polish Television, following an emergency meeting of Poland’s National Security Bureau. He said the "situation is serious" and that the country was “ready to repel” this type of attack.

"The security of our homeland is our highest priority", Polish President Karol Nawrocki said.

Tusk said he was in constant communication with the secretary general of NATO and Poland`s allies.

Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said Territorial Defense forces had been activated to search for downed drones. He urged people to "remain calm" and said anyone who found fragments of military equipment should report it to authorities.

Earlier, authorities closed airspace over Warsaw International Airport and other smaller airports "due to unplanned military activity related to ensuring state security," according to a Notice to Airmen posted on the US Federal Aviation Administration`s website".