# Poland warns of Russian hybrid strike plans

> Polish intelligence reveals Russia plans drone and missile attacks on NATO countries, disguised as accidents to test the alliance's resolve.
- Title: Poland warns of Russian hybrid strike plans · the Guardian
- Summary: Polish intelligence reveals Russia plans drone and missile attacks on NATO countries, disguised as accidents to test the alliance's resolve. Russia may…
- Keywords: poland, russia, nato, ukraine, hybrid warfare, drones, missiles, article 5, eastern flank, intelligence, tusk, news
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/world/live/2026/sep/17/donald-trump-eu-european-union-mark-carney-canada-associate-membership-tariffs-threats-germany-merz-latest-news-updates
- Published: 2026-09-17T16:08:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: poland, russia, nato, ukraine, hybrid warfare, drones, missiles, article 5, eastern flank, intelligence, tusk, news
## Poland reveals Russian strike plans
Polish intelligence shows Russia is planning hybrid strikes using drones and missiles against countries supporting Ukraine, including Poland itself.

> plans for hybrid strikes using drones and missiles against countries supporting Ukraine, including Poland
## Intelligence is 'very consistent'
The latest intelligence on these planned attacks is described as very consistent and convincing, suggesting high confidence in the assessment.

> very consistent and convincing
## Russia plans to claim accidents
Russia is expected to deny responsibility for any incidents, claiming they are accidental to avoid triggering NATO's collective defense obligations.
## The real NATO vulnerability
Russia aims to convince NATO members that Article 5 protection is theoretical, betting that countries won't defend each other over incidents rather than declared war.

> no one will want to die for Latvia or Lithuania
## Repeated incidents as strategy
Russia plans to use recurring attacks to demonstrate NATO's helplessness and inability to respond in a united manner, further eroding alliance cohesion.
## Key takeaway

Russia may deliberately attack NATO territory while claiming accidents to weaken Article 5 commitments and divide the alliance.