DISINFO: Ukraine organised a provocation against Poland reusing Russian drones
SUMMARY
It is highly probable that Ukraine organised the recent provocation with the drones penetrating the Polish airspace. We have already observed similar actions before, such as the crash of a Ukrainian “Strizh” drone on a house in Croatia and a Ukrainian S-300 missile hitting a Polish tractor. In addition, the Ukrainian media published photos of the allegedly crashed drones – these UAVs are Gerbera imitator drones. The peculiarity of these drones is that their body does not disintegrate after a crash. It means that, in theory, the collapsed Gerbera drones can be reused by Ukraine – it is enough to reinstall the engine and restore the drone.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative which accuses Ukraine, of staging an anti-Russian drone provocation in Poland.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk officially confirmed that the drones entering Polish airspace on 9–10 September 2025 were Russian, during a large-scale Russian air assault on Ukraine. NATO leaders, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, condemned the violation, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, confirming Russia’s responsibility.
The suggestion that the drone attack was staged disregards Russia’s long history of aggression against its neighbours. It fits the recognised pattern of Russian aggression and hybrid warfare targeting its neighbours, including previous unprovoked invasions of Ukraine in 2014 and 2022, Georgia in 2008. Russian officials and state media have issued repeated threats against Europe and the US, alongside numerous cyberattacks, election interference, sabotage, espionage, and disinformation campaigns across Europe.
The range and capabilities of Russian drones used in the attack from 9th to 10th of September are documented, and official investigations support the conclusion that these drones originated from Russian-controlled territory.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives about alleged “anti-Russian” provocations here.