Russia’s envoy has been called to the Foreign Office following Vladimir Putin’s drone intrusions into NATO territories. The aggressor’s troops triggered a crisis recently by downing drones in Poland, with Romania reporting a similar breach on Sunday. These events mark a significant escalation that may potentially involve allies like Britain in direct confrontation with Russia.
Andrei Kelin, the representative of Putin in London, was summoned on Monday. The Foreign Office issued a statement expressing strong disapproval of the Russian drones violating Polish and NATO airspace, followed by another incursion into Romanian airspace. The UK, along with Poland, Romania, Ukraine, and other NATO allies, unequivocally condemns these reckless actions. Amid Russia’s escalating provocations, defending Ukraine against Putin’s aggression is deemed crucial for Europe’s security, including that of the UK.
In a clear message to Putin, the UK Government affirmed that NATO members will not be intimidated. NATO’s response underscores the gravity with which Russia’s actions are being addressed. The statement emphasized the reinforcement of defenses along the eastern flank, utilizing advanced technologies like counter-drone sensors and weaponry. Russia is warned that further aggression will only strengthen NATO’s unity and commitment to supporting Ukraine, with any future breaches met with force until Russia ceases its unlawful war on Ukraine.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas denounced the violation in Romania as another unwarranted encroachment on an EU member state’s sovereignty. Following the breach in Poland, NATO was requested by Warsaw to invoke Article 4 of the treaty, signaling the potential start of significant NATO operations. In response to Putin’s drone incursion into Romanian airspace, the alliance scrambled F-16s, as Moscow continued drone strikes on Ukraine from across the border.
The defense ministry of the affected country confirmed the breach, highlighting the incursion during Moscow’s ongoing drone attacks on Ukraine.