Poland's military said it shot down Russian drones that violated its airspace while they were attacking Ukraine.

It was the first time the NATO member directly engaged with Russian military assets in its airspace since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In a statement, Poland's armed forces said it scrambled jets and Russia's actions posed a "real threat" to Polish citizens. Poland closed at least four airports, including Chopin Airport in Warsaw. They have since reopened.

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, said he informed NATO leaders about the incident, which comes as the White House has repeatedly pushed Russia and Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire as part of diplomatic efforts to end the war. Kyiv has appeared more willing to participate in that process than Moscow.

The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a comment request. The White House has not commented.In recent weeks, the tempo of Russia's air assault on Ukraine has appeared to escalate.

In recent days, Russia has struck a key government building in Kyiv as well as diplomatic facilities used by European Union and British officials.

Russian drones and a missile have crossed Ukraine's western border into Poland previously. One Russian missile landed in a forest but didn't detonate.

In 2022, NATO concluded that a stray Ukrainian air defense missile landed in Polish territory, killing two people. The missile was responding to a Russian airstrike aimed at Ukraine.

This story was updated to add NATO member map.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Poland says it shot down drones that entered its airspace during Russian attack on Ukraine

Reporting by Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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