POLAND’S prime minister has warned that the prospect of military conflict in Europe is “closer than at any time since the Second World War” after the country’s airspace was allegedly violated by Russia.
The Nato member has invoked Article 4 of Nato, to request a formal consultation with other members of the military alliance, after Donald Tusk told the Polish parliament its airspace was encroached on 19 times by Russian drones overnight during an attack on Ukraine.
It is not clear exactly how many drones were involved in the alleged incursion, with Tusk saying a “huge number” were involved. Poland’s interior ministry has said that the authorities have so far identified seven drones and the “remains of a missile of unidentified origin”.
Tusk said that he appreciated European leaders’ expressions of solidarity but said “the words are not enough” as he announced that Poland would request “much greater” support from Nato allies.
Article 4 has been invoked only seven times since Nato was founded in 1949 and most recently by eight eastern European countries after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Tusk said that the alleged drone activity was part of a wider display of aggression from Russia, which is expected to hold a military exercise with Belarus, which borders Poland to the east, later this week.
“There is no reason to claim that we are in a state of war,” said Tusk. “But the situation is significantly more dangerous than all previous ones.”
Russia’s charge d’affaires Andrey Ordash was summoned by the Polish foreign ministry overnight and he has denied that the drones in question were Russian, telling the state-owned Ria Novosti news agency: “We consider the accusations to be groundless.”
There has been an outpouring of support from European leaders for Poland.
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte, however, is yet to comment.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Russia’s alleged actions an “egregious, unprecedented” violation of Polish airspace.
He added: “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.
“I have been in touch with the Polish prime minister this morning to make clear our support for Poland, and that we will stand firm in our support for Ukraine. My sincere thanks go to the Nato and Polish forces who rapidly responded to protect the Alliance.
“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.”
Ursula von der Leyen (above), president of the European Commission, said: “Just today we have seen a reckless and unprecedented violation of Poland’s and Europe’s airspace by more than 10 Russian drones.
“Putin’s message is clear, and our response must be clear too. We need more pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table. We need more sanctions.
“We are now working on the 19th package in coordination with partners. We are particularly looking at phasing out Russian fossil fuels faster, the shadow fleet and third countries.”
French president Emmanuel Macron said the alleged airspace violations were “simply unacceptable”, adding: “I call on Russia to put an end to this reckless escalation. I reiterate to the Polish people and their government our full solidarity.
“I will soon speak with secretary general Mark Rutte. We will not compromise on the security of the allies.”
Dutch prime minister Dick Shoof said the alleged incursions were “proof that Russia’s war of aggression poses a threat to the security of Europe” while Ireland’s Micheal Martin said they were a “stark reminder of the threat posed by Russia to Europe’s security”.
António Costa, president of the European Council, added: “We stand in full solidarity with Poland following Russia’s unacceptable violation of its airspace. Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine and reckless airspace incursions into EU member states pose a direct threat to the safety of all Europeans and to critical infrastructure across our continent.
“Poland is right to take necessary steps to defend its sovereignty. Europe is increasing investment in its defence, because peace and security in Europe cannot be taken for granted.”
First Minister John Swinney said: “The Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace is incredibly dangerous. It illustrates the threat to European security posed by Russia.
“The need to ensure the Russian attack on Ukraine – and the subsequent threat to Europe – is repelled is ever more important.”
