NATO warns Russia must not enter Polish and Romanian airspace with drones
Allies expressed solidarity with Poland and Romania and urged stronger defences after recent incursions and the July 29 incident.
NATO allies voiced solidarity with Poland and Romania at a meeting called to address recent violations of their airspace by unmanned aerial systems, and warned Moscow against further incursions.
Allies condemn incursions and pledge support
In recent weeks several drones breached Romanian airspace, a development that Bucharest’s president, Nikeushor Dan, described as "unacceptable and unbearable." The incidents prompted allies to discuss measures to bolster surveillance and deterrence along NATO’s eastern flank.
On 29 July a cruise missile fell on Polish territory. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the armed unmanned vehicle came down about 50 kilometres from the city of Lublin and that it was "probably" Russian. NATO Secretary General Mark Rute called the event "yet another reckless act by Russia and a dangerous consequence of its war against Ukraine."
NATO spokesperson Alison Hart said allies had expressed solidarity with Romania and Poland over the airspace violations and condemned Russia for its "reckless actions." The allies reiterated that Russia bears full responsibility for the violations, calling them dangerous and unacceptable and noting an increased willingness by Moscow to accept risk.
Allies also reaffirmed continued support for Ukraine as Moscow’s full-scale invasion enters its fifth year, stressing that Ukraine’s security contributes to NATO’s own security and that irresponsible Russian behaviour will not deter their commitment.
Romania’s ambassador to NATO, Dan Nekulaesku, said he had emphasised the need for allies to keep contributing to military capabilities that will allow Bucharest and NATO to defend more effectively. "I also expressed solidarity with our Polish friends as we continue to coordinate the defence of the Eastern flank," he said.
Poland’s defence minister, Vladislav Kosinjak-Kamish, welcomed the show of clear solidarity and the alliance’s readiness to take "new actions" to strengthen security, particularly along NATO’s eastern borders and in the Baltic Sea region.
Photo: press material from the event
