Sikorski emphasized that the responsibility to protect national airspace is paramount, regardless of NATO membership. "Membership in NATO does not trump each country’s responsibility for the protection of its own airspace — it’s our own constitutional duty," he stated.
He further explained that Poland is obligated to ensure the safety of its citizens, even if intercepting missiles over Ukrainian territory raises concerns about drawing NATO into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. "I’m personally of the view that, when hostile missiles are on course of entering our airspace, it would be legitimate self-defense [to strike them] because once they do cross into our airspace, the risk of debris injuring someone is significant," Sikorski said, as quoted by the daily.
The Financial Times reported that earlier this summer, Poland signed a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine, committing to explore the possibility of intercepting missiles and UAVs in Ukrainian airspace if they are heading towards Polish territory. The agreement includes procedures to be followed by the states and organizations involved.
But, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg dismissed the proposal, citing concerns that this could entangle the alliance in the conflict.
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Source: PAP, The Financial Times
