Global News Podcast – Poland Says Russian Drones Shot Down Over Its Territory

Date: September 10, 2025
Host: Janat Jalil, BBC World Service

Episode Overview

In this episode, the BBC World Service provides in-depth coverage of several breaking global stories. The primary focus is on Poland's interception and destruction of Russian drones that violated Polish airspace during a major attack on Ukraine – a first for both Poland and NATO territory since Russia’s invasion. Other key topics include the fallout from an Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, deadly anti-corruption protests in Nepal, alarming global childhood obesity trends, the ongoing deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia, and controversy over wildlife handling by social media influencers in Australia.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Poland Shoots Down Russian Drones Over Its Territory

[00:00 – 05:41]

• Incident Summary: During a large-scale Russian aerial attack on Ukraine, 19 Russian drones violated Polish airspace. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that up to four drones posing threats were shot down by Polish and NATO pilots.

  • "We are most likely dealing with a large scale provocation, but at the same time we are in consultation with our allies." — Donald Tusk [01:16]
  • This is the first incident involving the destruction of Russian drones over NATO territory, heightening urgency among alliance members.

• Escalation Tensions: Tusk suggested a dangerous threshold had been crossed, potentially bringing Poland closer to open conflict with Russia than at any time since World War II. Russia insisted it did not target facilities in Poland.

• NATO Response:

  • "Whether it was intentional or not, it is absolutely reckless. And to Putin, my message is clear: Stop the war in Ukraine, stop violating allied airspace and know that we stand ready." — NATO Secretary General, Colonel Mark Russer [02:12–02:24]

• Significance (Sarah Rainsford, Eastern Europe Correspondent, Kyiv):

  • This is unprecedented among NATO members and seen as a serious act of aggression.
  • Polish airspace closure affected areas as far west as Warsaw.
  • "Certainly the authorities in Poland closed the airspace as far west as Warsaw for security… they're saying the Air Force is saying it was an act of aggression and that there was a real threat to the safety of Polish civilians." — Sarah Rainsford [03:18]
  • Previous incidents, including missile strikes and stray drones, did not provoke direct retaliation; this incident did.

• Context of Escalation:

  • Recent Trump-Putin summit failed to broker peace; attacks have intensified since.
  • Russia seen as testing the resolve of the West, targeting not just Ukraine but its allies.

2. Israeli Strike in Doha and Reactions

[05:41 – 12:23]

• Uncertainty Over Hamas Leaders' Fate: Israeli media expresses doubt the airstrike in Doha eliminated Hamas leadership. Hamas says only lower-level members died.

• International Backlash: Qatar decries the attack as a violation of international law and is exploring legal action against Israel’s PM Netanyahu.

  • "Why does the Prime Minister insist on blowing up every chance for a deal? Why?" — Aynav Zangower, mother of Israeli hostage, Matan Zangawa [06:45]

• Palestinian Politician Mustafa Barghouti:

  • Condemns the strike as state terror and a deliberate attempt to sabotage ceasefire talks and the release of prisoners.
  • "This act shows that this Israeli government is absolutely irresponsible... they also bombarded a country which has been the instrumental mediator." — Mustafa Barghouti [07:25]
  • Warns continued Israeli actions make negotiations impossible without international pressure.

• Analysis from Jerusalem (Mira Davis):

  • While Israeli politicians publicly support operations against Hamas, the failed assassination could complicate the situation for remaining hostages and civilians in Gaza.
  • The attack's location — a friendly state — marks a significant escalation, with increased risks for both hostages and civilians if negotiations fail.

3. Deadly Protests and Instability in Nepal

[12:23 – 15:39]

• Recent Unrest: Over 25 people killed in three days following anti-corruption protests, primarily by Gen Z demonstrators angered by content on banned social media platforms showing elites’ wealth.
• Government Response: Internet ban reversed, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigns, soldiers patrol with a nationwide curfew, and thousands of prisoners escape during widespread chaos.
• Situation on the Ground (Penindra Dahal, Kathmandu):
  • "We can see burned vehicles, torched buildings, smoke... and vandalized police posts." [13:11]
  • Security forces actively searching for more than 4,000 escaped prisoners, including juveniles.

4. UNICEF: Global Child Obesity Surpasses Underweight

[16:33 – 21:45]

• UNICEF Report (Harriet Torless): For the first time, there are more obese children worldwide than underweight, with fastest rises in low- and middle-income countries.

  • "We're finding that for the first time in history, the number of children living with obesity now exceeds underweight." [16:33]
  • Heavily marketed, ultra-processed foods are prevalent in developing economies.

• Malnutrition Redefined: Malnutrition now covers both undernutrition and overnutrition, with the poor at risk from both due to unhealthy food environments.

• Case Study: South Africa:

  • Over a fifth of infants are overweight or obese.
  • Schools and local advocates are pushing for healthier diets, but high unemployment and food costs limit access to nutritious foods.
  • "If all schools were to emulate our intention of being conscious of health... the health to the children would be served." — Mark Lune, head teacher, Kairo School of Inquiry [19:49]
  • Recent ‘sugar tax’ hasn’t halted the trend.

5. Ukrainian Children Abducted and Deported by Russia

[21:45 – 26:55]

• Scale of the Issue: Over 19,500 Ukrainian children reportedly forcibly transferred or deported since the war began.

• Personal Accounts:

  • Vladislav (abducted age 16):
    • "He puts on me guns and asks me question, would they kill you right now or smash your phones?" [22:54]
  • Valeria:
    • "We have been escorted all the way to this camp by the Russian military forces. We have been all locked. And we realized that we could not leave it. Our passports, all our ID documents have been taken by Russians." [23:08]

• Charity Involvement (Mariam Lambert, Emil Foundation):

  • Many children are still held in Russia, adopted, or missing.
  • Russia changes children’s names/passports to erase origins; adoption by Russian families often obscures their history.
  • "This is why they are taking children in order to militarize them, to erase their identity and also to forcefully adopting them because they want to raise the Russian population." — Mariam Lambert [25:24]
  • Russia claims it is "saving" children, but does not follow procedures for reunification stipulated by the Geneva Convention.

6. Viral Crocodile Wrestling Sparks Outrage in Australia

[26:55 – 29:49]

• Incident: American influencer Mike Holston ("The Real Tarzan") posted videos wrestling crocodiles in Queensland.
• Backlash: Animal rights groups, state leaders, and Bob Irwin (father of conservationist Steve Irwin) condemned the behavior, saying it’s illegal and endangers both animals and people.
  • "He thinks is disgusting behaviour... he said this is somebody illegally interfering with protected animals." — Simon Atkinson [28:28]
• Pattern of Tourist Misbehavior: Not the first high-profile case of animal interference by tourists, with public and political calls for stricter repercussions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Polish PM Donald Tusk:
  "We are most likely dealing with a large scale provocation..." [01:16]
• NATO Secretary General to Putin:
  "Stop the war in Ukraine, stop violating allied airspace and know that we stand ready." [02:19]
• Sarah Rainsford (BBC Correspondent):
  "Poland felt there was a threat and that needed to be eliminated. I think that's what's different here." [03:59]
• Mustafa Barghouti (Palestinian politician):
  "This airstrike represents nothing less than an act of state terror..." [06:59]
• Mother of Israeli hostage, Aynav Zangower:
  "Anyone who decides to deliberately endanger Matan's life is murdering him." [06:42]
• Harriet Torless (UNICEF):
  "Low and middle income countries... are experiencing the fastest rise in overweight and obesity." [16:33]
• Mariam Lambert (Emil Foundation):
  "They are claiming in their propaganda that Ukrainians are Nazi and they need to eradicate... they are taking children in order to militarize them, to erase their identity..." [25:24]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Poland shoots down Russian drones: [00:00 – 05:41]
• Israeli strike in Doha / Reactions: [05:41 – 12:23]
• Nepal protests and prison break: [12:23 – 15:39]
• UNICEF child obesity report & South Africa: [16:33 – 21:45]
• Ukrainian children deported by Russia: [21:45 – 26:55]
• Crocodile wrestling outrage: [26:55 – 29:49]

Summary

This episode captures a period of heightened geopolitical tension and humanitarian concern, from unprecedented NATO airspace violations and the dangerous escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, to complex diplomacy in the Middle East, deadly civil unrest in Nepal, the global spread of childhood obesity, and wartime crimes against children. It also touches on shifting social media-driven norms and their real world impacts. Richly reported with direct voices from the field, it offers nuanced insight into a volatile, interconnected world.