Brussels – European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has accused Russia of intentionally violating Polish airspace, a situation described by Poland’s prime minister as involving a “huge number” of Russian drones during recent attacks on western Ukraine, reports 24brussels.
Poland asserted that it shot down drone-like objects that penetrated its airspace amid the ongoing Russian offensive on Ukraine. This marks a significant escalation, as it is the first known instance of a NATO member directly confronting Russian assets in its airspace since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022.
“Last night in Poland we saw the most serious European airspace violation by Russia since the war began, and indications suggest it was intentional, not accidental,”
Kallas stated on X.
“The EU stands in full solidarity with Poland. Russia’s war is escalating, not ending,”
she added.
Following the incident, European Union Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius called for the establishment of a “drone wall” along the EU’s eastern borders. He emphasized the necessity for a combined response from EU member states, neighboring countries, and Ukraine to address the persistent threat from Russia.
“Once again Russia tests frontier states, EU & NATO,”
Kubilius wrote on X, pledging a collaborative effort to enhance security measures.
What triggered the Russian drones’ breach into Polish airspace?
As stated by the BBC, the violation coincided with a significant Russian attack across Ukraine, triggering air raid alerts before midnight, with indications of over 100 drones in the air, and reports of missiles being prepared for launch.
During this time, Ukrainians sought shelter underground as they witnessed alerts and reports of multiple drones crossing into Poland.
Poland’s military characterized the incident as an “unprecedented breach of Polish airspace” that posed a genuine threat to national safety.
How are Poland’s fellow NATO members reacting to Russia’s drone violations?
Other NATO countries have expressed solidarity and voiced concerns regarding the violations. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned Russia’s incursions into Polish airspace as “unacceptable.”
“The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine poses a threat to the security of all of Europe. Poland has every right to defend its airspace. We give our full support to Poland, as a NATO ally and EU member. Sweden and Poland stand united in our support for Ukraine,”
he affirmed.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed his “full support and solidarity” with Poland and emphasized that “Russian aggression in Ukraine affects us directly, and appropriate measures must be taken.”
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide labeled Moscow’s actions as “deeply concerning and entirely unacceptable,” reaffirming Norway’s “steadfast support for our ally Poland and our shared commitment to European security.”
