A Russian cruise missile crossed into NATO territory overnight on July 30 during Moscow’s latest barrage of missile and drone strikes against Ukraine. Speaking during a press conference on the morning of Thursday, July 30, Tusk identified the object as a Kh-101 cruise missile. Why Entering NATO Airspace MattersMissiles landing outside of an active warzone and in NATO airspace matter for several reasons, but politically, it is significant because Poland is a full member of NATO. It was initially feared that Russia had deliberately attacked NATO territory, prompting urgent consultations among leaders within the alliance. On December 29, 2023, a Russian cruise missile entered Polish airspace for almost three minutes, traveling roughly 40 kilometers before turning back into Ukraine.