Poland says it will trigger NATO’s Article 4 in reaction to what it called an “unprecedented violation of Polish airspace” by Russian drones.
NATO jets were sent in to support as drones entered into Polish airspace.
“Polish and allied radar systems tracked several objects that violated airspace”, the Polish ministry of defence said.
It is not the first time it is happened.
Two people were killed back in 2022 apparently by stray missiles involved in the war in Ukraine.
Triggering Article 4 starts a formal consultation between NATO allies.
The Polish government said it had already been in touch with EU allies.
“I have informed the E5 defence ministers, or the so-called Big Five—Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy—as well as the new French prime minister.
I am in contact with the defence ministers of Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Lithuania—all our allies. Of course, we are in constant contact with the North Atlantic Alliance and the entire NATO structure”, said Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz this morning.
Reacting to the news, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“I strongly condemn the violation of Poland’s territorial integrity and sovereignty by Russia.
“This was a reckless and unprecedented act that is a stark reminder of the threat posed by Russia to Europe’s security.
“Ireland stands in full solidarity with Poland and its right to take necessary steps to defend its sovereign territory.
“As the Government will discuss today, these events underline the need to strengthen our support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.”
Earlier this week, the European Commission confirmed that Poland would be granted €43.7 billion in low-interest loans to boost its defences.
“The European funds obtained by Poland specifically include the East Shield, anti-drone and drone systems, which we so desperately need.
The entire system related to the security of the eastern flank of the European Union, and therefore the eastern flank of NATO”, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister said yesterday.