Forces of Poland and NATO today shot down Russian drones in alleged violation of Polish airspace during Moscow’s aerial attack on neighbouring Ukraine. Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, claimed the airspace violation in the early hours today amounted to an intentional provocation from Moscow.
Tusk said it forced the NATO and European Union member state to close its airspace and order citizens in the eastern part of the country to stay indoors. He said there were no casualties. Tusk also said his government is seeking NATO consultations on a potential response, a procedure known as Article 4. Prime Minister Tusk also claimed that Poland is at its closest to open conflict since World War Two. Polish authorities reported 19 airspace violations, with drones originating from Belarusian territory.
Top European Union officials pledged solidarity with Poland, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union speech in Brussels. On the other hand, Russia rejected Polish accusations, calling Warsaw’s statements unfounded. Andrei Ordash, Moscow’s charge d’affaires, talking to media, said no evidence has been presented that these drones are of Russian origin. Ordash alleged that EU and NATO leaders accuse Russia of provocation on a daily basis, most often without even attempting to present any arguments. He said in this case, russia would prefer not to comment.
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