why would russia attack poland

Russia's recent attack on Poland, specifically involving multiple Russian drones entering Polish airspace, appears to be a deliberate act by Russia to send a political and strategic message rather than to inflict heavy damage. The main reasons behind Russia's attack on Poland are to intimidate NATO allies, test European and NATO responses, and undermine the support Poland and other NATO countries provide to Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing war there. This action represents a calculated escalation designed to challenge NATO's cohesion and deter continued military aid to Ukraine by raising fears of the conflict expanding westward. Russia has aimed to create disruption and uncertainty within Poland, one of the staunchest NATO supporters of Ukraine, with about 19 drones reportedly involved and some launch paths possibly involving Belarus. Poland has been viewed as a stronghold of Western military presence and aid for Ukraine, making it a significant target for Russia's attempt to intimidate and weaken Western resolve. Despite this, it seems Russia intends to avoid triggering direct NATO military retaliation by limiting the damage and carefully navigating the attack's scope. The attack is also set against the backdrop of upcoming Russian-Belarusian military exercises (Zapad 2025), which heighten tensions along NATO's eastern flank. Poland and NATO have responded strongly, with Poland invoking NATO consultations and increasing military readiness, which indicates the serious nature of this provocation. In summary, Russia's attack is largely about political signaling, intimidation, testing NATO’s responses, and attempting to weaken Western support for Ukraine rather than an outright invasion or full military conflict with Poland at this time. It reflects Russia's broader strategy to spread insecurity westward and assert influence over Ukraine and its neighbors.