Dramatic Developments in Polish Airspace!

In a startling incident, Poland's armed forces successfully shot down Russian drones that violated its airspace during a nighttime offensive against Ukraine. This event has sparked a whirlwind of misinformation online, as various videos and claims have flooded social media, accompanied by a wave of Russian propaganda.

Where's the Truth in the Chaos?

Prime Minister Donald Tusk took to social media, warning that Russian propaganda is a direct threat to Poland's security. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused Poland of spreading "myths" to escalate tensions surrounding the ongoing Ukrainian crisis.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the drones involved are Iranian-made Shahed drones, frequently used by Russia in its assaults on Ukraine. Notably, this isn't the first encounter with such drones; debris from a similar drone was discovered in Poland just last August.

Fact-Checking Viral Claims!

With misinformation rampant, DW Fact Check scrutinized several claims circulating on social media.

Claim 1: Videos of the Attack?

A TikTok user posted videos allegedly showing Polish jets taking down Russian drones, claiming "5 Minutes ago! Polish NATO Jets destroy record number of Shahed drones."

**Verdict: Fake!** The footage is not from real events but is actually from the video game "Arma 3." Numerous commenters pointed out the discrepancies, and a reverse search traced the clips to a YouTube account explicitly labeled as fictional game content. This isn't the first time video game footage has been misrepresented during real-world conflicts.

Claim 2: A Russian Drone Spotted in Poland?

Another TikTok video claimed to show a drone in Polish airspace, timestamped "Poland, 10 September 2025," tying it to the recent drone crisis.

**Verdict: False!** This video shows a drone in daylight, yet the actual breaches occurred overnight. Previous investigations revealed that this clip was circulated months earlier in unrelated contexts, dispelling its legitimacy.

Claim 3: Drones Crash Location?

A post on X showcased a map indicating a drone crash site in Mniszkow, claiming it correlated with the recent incursions.

**Verdict: True!** Polish authorities confirmed multiple drone crash sites across Podlasie, Mazovia, Lublin, and Subcarpathia, including Mniszkow, which was identified as a location for the recovery of a foreign military drone. The verified image of the drone corresponds to the reported crash, underscoring the authenticity of this claim.

Stay Alert: The Disinformation Battle Continues!

As tensions escalate, so does the spread of misinformation. It's crucial for the public to remain diligent, discerning real news from unfounded claims as the geopolitical landscape evolves.