The violation of Poland’s airspace by Russian drones was “absolutely reckless,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday, adding that a full assessment of the incident had not yet been made, Reuters reports.
“Whether it was intentionally or not, it is absolutely reckless, it is absolutely dangerous. But the full assessment is ongoing,” Rutte said.
“To Putin, my message is clear. Stop the war in Ukraine. Stop violating allied airspace. And know that we stand ready, that we are vigilant, and that we will defend every inch of NATO territory.”
Poland shot down drones in its airspace on Wednesday with the backing of military aircraft from its NATO allies, the first time a member of the Western military alliance is known to have fired shots during Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Moscow denied responsibility for the incident. European leaders, who have lately been trying to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to join them in tightening sanctions on Russia and boosting support for Kyiv, said it justified a collective response. There was no immediate response from Washington.
Poland said 19 objects had entered its airspace during a large Russian air attack on Ukraine, and that it had shot down those that posed a threat.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the incident a “large-scale provocation” and activated Article Four of NATO’s treaty, under which alliance members can demand consultations with their allies.
