In the debate over a NATO-enforced no-fly zone over Ukraine, which the leadership in Kiev has long called for, the Polish government is now openly opposing the military alliance’s line.
Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski speaks of the “duty to shoot down Russian drones and other missiles approaching from Ukraine before they enter Polish airspace – that is, over the country at war. However, the NATP has so far rejected the launch of Russian drones and missiles over Ukraine, as well as Kiev’s demand for a no-fly zone over the country.
“Legitimate act of self-defense”
Sikorski told the Financial Times: “My personal view is that if enemy missiles enter our airspace, that would be a legitimate act of self-defence. Because once they’re in, there’s a significant risk of someone getting hurt by debris.” NATO membership does not negate the obligation of every country to protect its own airspace.
NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana disagreed: “We of course respect the right of every ally to ensure its national security. “But within NATO we have always coordinated before doing anything that could affect all of us,” he told the newspaper. Poland has always consulted with its allies on this matter.
Two dead in rocket attack in Poland
Last week, the Polish military used radar to detect the intrusion of an unspecified flying object from Ukraine. As the PAP agency reported, citing the military, the height and speed of the object indicated that it was a Russian Shahed combat drone of Iranian design, which is being used by Russia against Ukraine. Since Russia’s war of aggression against its neighbor began in 2022, similar incidents have repeatedly occurred in Polish airspace.
In November 2022, a rocket hit a Polish village on the border with Ukraine (see photos above), killing two civilians. However, it was a misplaced Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
