The Polish government official proposes taking down Russian aircraft in the Ukrainian airspace.
Sikorski, Poland's Foreign Minister, thinks it's Poland's job to take down incoming Russian drones and planes from Ukraine, even before they enter Polish airspace. He made this statement to the "Financial Times" (FT).
Contrary to NATO's viewpoint, where the risk of escalating the conflict through direct engagement with Russian forces is seen as too high, Sikorski advocates for this action. NATO has thus far refused to shoot down Russian drones and missiles over Ukraine, and has also turned down Kiev's request for a no-fly zone within the country.
In an interview with the FT, Sikorski argued, "I personally think that if hostile aircraft are heading towards our airspace, this would be a valid act of self-defense. Because once they've entered, there's a real chance of someone getting injured by debris." Each NATO member has the responsibility to protect their own airspace, regardless of their NATO membership.
However, NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana disagreed, saying, "Of course, we respect each ally's right to secure their national security. But within NATO, we've always coordinated before taking any action that could impact us all," he stated. Poland has consistently consulted with its allies on this issue.
Last week, the Polish military spotted an unidentified aerial object entering from Ukraine, according to radar. As reported by the PAP agency, relaying information from the military, the object's altitude and speed suggested it was a Russian Shahed combat drone of Iranian origin, used against Ukraine.
Russian missiles have frequently violated Polish airspace during attacks on Ukraine. In 2022, two people lost their lives when a missile struck in eastern Poland. In that incident, it was a Ukrainian air defense missile that veered off course.
- Given Sikorski's stance, several Polish Ministers have also expressed support for intercepting incoming Russian drones and planes from Ukraine, considering it a valid act of self-defense within their own airspace.
- During NATO meetings, Polish Ministers have emphasized the need for collective action in protecting each member's airspace, highlighting that every nation has the sovereign responsibility to safeguard its own airspace in accordance with international law.
