(Reuters) – Poland shot down drones that entered its airspace on Wednesday, the first time a member of NATO is known to have fired shots during Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Here are some reactions to the situation from some leading politicians and officials.
POLISH PRIME MINISTER DONALD TUSK
“We are dealing with a large-scale provocation… We are ready to repel such provocations. The situation is serious, and no-one doubts that we must prepare for various scenarios.”
“The fact that these drones, which posed a security threat, were shot down changes the political situation.”
“This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two.”
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL MARK RUTTE
“Whether it was (done) intentionally or not, it is absolutely reckless, it is absolutely dangerous. But the full assessment is ongoing.”
“To (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, my message is clear. 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.”
ANDREY ORDASH, RUSSIAN CHARGE D’AFFAIRES IN POLAND, CITED BY RUSSIA’S RIA STATE NEWS AGENCY
“We see the accusations as groundless. No evidence that these drones are of Russian origin has been presented.”
KREMLIN SPOKESMAN DMITRY PESKOV
“The leadership of the EU and NATO accuse Russia of provocations on a daily basis. Most of the time, without even trying to present at least some kind of argument.”
UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY
“It is clear that Russian aggression poses a danger to every independent nation in our region, and therefore only joint and coordinated action can guarantee reliable security. The precedent of using combat aircraft from several European countries simultaneously to shoot down Russian weapons and protect human lives is highly significant.”
“Together, Europeans are always stronger. Russia must feel that the response to this escalatory step, and even more so to an attempt to humiliate one of Europe’s key countries, will be clear and strong from all partners.”
KAJA KALLAS, EUROPEAN UNION HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY
“Russia’s war is escalating, not ending. We must raise the cost on Moscow, strengthen support for Ukraine, and invest in Europe’s defence.”
“The EU plays a major role and we will support initiatives like the Eastern Border Shield defence line.”
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
“The incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace during an attack carried out by Russia against Ukraine is simply unacceptable. I condemn it in the strongest terms. 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 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. We will not compromise on the security of the Allies.”
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER
“This morning’s barbaric attack on Ukraine and the egregious and unprecedented violation of Polish and NATO airspace by Russian drones is deeply concerning. 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.”
GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER JOHANN WADEPHUL
“Russia has recklessly accepted a dangerous escalation… Unfortunately, it is clear that even after three years, Moscow is still not prepared to negotiate seriously for peace. On the contrary, the Kremlin wants to subjugate Ukraine by force. We must and will respond to this with a clear answer.”
U.S. AIR FORCE GENERAL ALEXUS GRYNKEWICH, NATO SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER EUROPE
“Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and Allied Command Operations are in close contact and coordination with Poland and other Allies regarding the drones that entered Polish airspace. NATO responded quickly and decisively to the situation, demonstrating our capability and resolve to defend Allied territory.”
(Reporting by Alan Charlish, Mathias de Rozario, Andrew Gray, Sabine Siebold, Kate Holton, Juliia Dysa and Madeline Chambers, Compiled by Timothy Heritage, Editing by Peter Graff and Hugh Lawson)
