Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the incident a “large-scale provocation,” saying Poland is “ready to repel such provocations.”
He said the unprecedented intrusion posed a security threat and “changed the political situation,” adding: “This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War II.”
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte labeled the incursion “absolutely reckless” whether intentional or not, noting a full assessment was under way.
Addressing President Vladimir Putin, he said: “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 shooting down drones marked the first known instance of a NATO member firing during Russia’s war in Ukraine, officials said.
Moscow rejected the accusations. Russia’s defense ministry said on Wednesday the Russian military did not plan attacks on Poland and was ready to discuss the matter with Poland’s defense ministry.
Andrey Ordash, Russia’s chargé d’affaires in Poland, was cited by RIA as saying there was “no evidence that these drones are of Russian origin.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said EU and NATO leaders accuse Russia of provocations “on a daily basis … without even trying to present at least some kind of argument.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the incident underscored that Russian aggression “poses a danger to every independent nation in our region,” urging “joint and coordinated action” for security.
He called the precedent of using combat aircraft from several European countries simultaneously to shoot down Russian weapons “highly significant,” adding that Europe’s response must be “clear and strong.”
US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said allied commands were in close contact with Poland and other allies.
He said NATO “responded quickly and decisively,” demonstrating its capability and resolve to defend allied territory.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the breach “deeply concerning,” describing it as “an extremely reckless move by Russia” that highlights Putin’s “blatant disregard for peace” and the “constant bombardment” faced by Ukrainians.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said “Russia’s war is escalating, not ending,” urging higher costs for Moscow, stronger support for Kyiv and more investment in Europe’s defense.
She backed initiatives such as the Eastern Border Shield defense line.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Moscow had “recklessly accepted a dangerous escalation,” arguing the Kremlin is not prepared to negotiate seriously and seeks to subjugate Ukraine by force. “We must and will respond to this with a clear answer,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the airspace violation “in the strongest terms,” calling it “simply unacceptable,” and pledged “full solidarity” with Poland. He said he would speak with Rutte and that allies would not compromise on their security.
(jh)
Source: Reuters, Polskie Radio 24