Amid the recent intensified diplomatic hostilities with Russia over the drone incursions, the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has said that his country will shoot down objects violating its airspace.
Tusk, during his media interaction, said, “We will decide to shoot down any flying object when it violates our territory and flies over Poland – there is absolutely no discussion about it.”
Poland's Prime Minister said that Russian drones violated its airspace earlier this month, prompting NATO allies to strengthen defences on its eastern flank. At least three Russian drones were shot down by Poland and other NATO aircraft over Polish airspace, said Tusk.
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Shortly after the incident, Tusk summoned an emergency meeting of the NATO members. Though the Russian side rejected the claims and said that the drones intercepted by Poland lacked the range, as they were meant for Ukraine, hinting at the involvement of the Ukrainian forces in allegedly creating more tensions between neighbouring countries.
Tusk said this was the first time that Russian drones had been shot down on NATO territory, which "changes the political situation". He invoked NATO Article 4, which allows a member to convene a meeting of allies to consult on an issue.
He said, “I also need to be certain… that all allies will treat this in the same way as we do.” Tusk urged caution, saying, “When dealing with situations that aren’t fully clear – such as the recent flight of Russian fighter jets over the Petrobaltic platform – but without any violation, as these aren’t our territorial waters. We really need to think twice before deciding on actions that could trigger an escalation with Russia,” he said.
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