Russian hybrid attacks — Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russia is planning hybrid attacks with drones and missiles against European countries supporting Ukraine. Tusk told parliament on Thursday, September 17, 2026, that intelligence agencies obtained information about the plans, which he said are designed to weaken NATO’s resolve to activate its collective defence mechanisms.

The Polish leader stated that such attacks could be disguised as “accidents” and might coincide with political changes in certain European nations. He argued these actions aim to empower political groups that, under slogans of peace, would push for a deal amounting to Ukraine’s “total capitulation,” an apparent reference to pro-Russian parties like France’s National Rally and Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The warning follows a heightened security alert in Poland after a Russian drone struck a Ukrainian passenger train just two kilometres from the Polish border on Sunday, September 13. Polish authorities temporarily closed airports in Rzeszów and Lublin, activated air raid sirens, and placed military aircraft on alert. Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the country is boosting air patrols and reinforcing air defence systems.

Tusk is scheduled to travel to Ukraine on Friday, September 18, to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky. The leaders are expected to discuss cooperation within the Anti-Missile Coalition, a European group developing a cheaper air defence alternative to US-made Patriot systems with Ukraine.