Russia’s ambassador has been called to the Foreign Office following Vladimir Putin’s drone intrusions into NATO countries. The aggressor’s military provoked a crisis last week by having drones shot down in Poland, and on Sunday, Romania reported a similar violation. These events represent a significant escalation that could potentially lead allies, including Britain, into direct confrontation with Russia.
Andrei Kelin, Putin’s representative in London, was summoned on Monday. The Foreign Office released a statement condemning the “significant and unprecedented violation of Polish and NATO airspace by Russian drones last week – followed by another breach into Romanian airspace on Saturday,” deeming it completely unacceptable. The UK, together with Poland, Romania, Ukraine, and NATO Allies, unequivocally denounces these reckless actions. In the face of Russia’s aggressive behavior, defending Ukraine against Putin’s aggression is vital for the security of all of Europe, including the UK.
In a direct message to Putin, the Government emphasized that NATO members will not be intimidated. The statement emphasized the seriousness with which NATO views Russia’s actions and the commitment to strengthen defenses along the eastern flank, utilizing advanced technologies like counter-drone sensors and weapons. It was made clear that any further Russian aggression would be met with force, and Russia must cease its unlawful warfare against Ukraine.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas labeled the incursion in Romania as “yet another unacceptable breach of an EU member state’s sovereignty.” Following the breach in Poland, NATO was requested by Warsaw to invoke Article 4 of the treaty, seen as the stepping stone for significant NATO operations. In response to Putin’s drones entering Romanian airspace en route to Ukrainian targets, the alliance scrambled F-16s on Saturday.
The country’s defense ministry reported a drone breaching their airspace while Russia conducted drone strikes on neighboring Ukraine.
