Ukraine war latest: US issues response to Russian drone incursion into NATO territory - as Poland warns risk of military clash 'closest since WWII'

Healey: Putin has hit a new level of hostility against Europe

Speaking alongside the E5, UK defence secretary John Healey branded Russia's actions "dangerous, reckless and unprecedented".

He also said he's asked the British armed forces to explore ways to bolster NATO's air defence over Poland.

"Last night, Putin hit a new level of hostility against Europe," Healey warned.

He goes on: "We saw across NATO's eastern border a serious violation of Polish airspace deep enough for Warsaw Airport to be closed and NATO jets shooting down Russian drones in what is the first defensive action of its kind since Putin launched his full-scale attack on Ukraine."

Message to Putin

Healey also issued a message to Vladimir Putin.

"We say to President Putin, your aggression only serves to strengthen the unity between our NATO nations. 

"Your aggression only serves to strengthen our determination to stand with Ukraine. 

"And your aggression reminds us that a secure Europe needs a strong Ukraine, and that the security of Europe starts in Ukraine."

European defence ministers speaking in London

John Healey, the UK defence secretary, is hosting a meeting of his counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and Poland in London today, known as the E5 nations.

Russia's drone incursion is top of the agenda, with the Polish defence minister leaving the meeting early as a result.

We're hearing from them at a news conference now - watch live in the stream at the top of the page.

'Serious and unacceptable': More condemnation of Russian drone incursion

We've had more condemnation from Poland's allies throughout the morning.

A German government spokesperson said the incident showed how Russia was testing Europe and it vowed not to be intimidated.

Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski issued a three-point reminder on social media.

He said:

• "The threat to Poland comes from the East, not from the West
• Brave, tormented Ukraine is our ally in keeping Putin's army away from Polish borders
• Let us remain calm, unite, and resist Russian agents"

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a long-time ally of Vladimir Putin, said he stands in "full solidarity" with Poland.

"The incident proves that our policy of calling for peace in the Russia-Ukraine war is reasonable and rational," he wrote on social media.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed "full solidarity with Poland" after Russia's "serious and unacceptable" violation of Polish airspace and the Atlantic Alliance.

"Italy will continue to work to ensure European security, starting with Ukraine, and to achieve a just and lasting peace," she added.

Romanian President Nicusor Dan accused Russia of "behaving aggressively" and "defying all our efforts to achieve peace".

"This is unacceptable," he added.

'Dangerous escalation': Germany warns Russia it will respond to NATO incursion

Germany backs Poland's decision to invoke NATO's Article 4 after Russia's drone incursion overnight.

Berlin's defence minister Boris Pistorius told the Bundestag lower house that the drones that entered Poland's airspace had been clearly armed.

German Patriot systems were involved in the response, using their radars to detect the Russian drones, but didn't fire any missiles.

The country's foreign minister also said that Russia was not ready for diplomacy, so would receive "a strong response".

At a news conference with his Dutch counterpart, Johann Wadephul said:

"Russia has recklessly accepted a dangerous escalation.

"Unfortunately, it is clear that even after three years, Moscow is still not prepared to negotiate seriously for peace. 

"On the contrary, the Kremlin wants to subjugate Ukraine by force.

"We must and will respond to this with a clear answer."

-SKY NEWS