Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated that the large-scale violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones was not accidental but demonstrates Russia’s desire to test NATO countries’ defensive capabilities.
“It is hard to believe that this was a mere coincidence. Putin’s regime threatens all of Europe and systematically probes how far it can go. It is reassuring that Poland’s air defence systems responded effectively. It is clear that Russia is attempting to harm the inhabitants of other European countries,” the prime minister said, expressing solidarity with Poland amid these events.
“Please keep this in mind—especially now, when many extremists are trying to convince you that Russia is not an enemy and that the solution lies in disarmament,” Petr Fiala added.
He continued that this incident provides another argument in favor of NATO and greater defense investments.
The Czech Republic will hold parliamentary elections in early October. Current voter preference leaders include the populist party of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, who wants to curtail the Czech “shell initiative” for finding ammunition for Ukraine.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported that the military preliminarily counted 19 violations of the country’s airspace. Three aircraft were shot down, which were identified as immediate threats.
Reports indicate drone crashes in a village near the border with Belarus, resulting in damage to a residential building and car.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaya Kallas called Russia’s drone attack on Poland a deliberate and most serious violation of EU member state airspace after the incident.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the Russian drone incursion into Poland “deeply concerning” and Russia’s actions “reckless,” Sky News reported.
The British Prime Minister also called today’s Russian attack on Ukraine “barbaric.”
“This was an extremely reckless move by Russia and only serves to remind us of President Putin’s blatant disregard for peace, and the constant bombardment innocent Ukrainians face every day,” he said.
Starmer added that he contacted Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk “to clearly express our support for Poland.”
“My sincere thanks go to the NATO and Polish forces who rapidly responded to protect the Alliance,” he said.
“With our partners – and through our leadership of the coalition of the willing – we will continue to ramp up the pressure on Putin until there is a just and lasting peace,” Starmer added.
French President Emmanuel Macron called on Russia to “stop the dangerous escalation” after the unprecedented incursion of Russian drones into Poland.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported that the country is turning to NATO allies for consultations under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty after the Russian drone incursion on the night of 10 September.
NATO does not consider the Russian drone incursion into Polish territory this night as an attack on an Alliance member state.