German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called an airspace intrusion by Russian military drones over Poland a deliberate provocation, not an accident, as NATO allies consider the response.
German Defense Minister Blasts Drones as “Apparent Intentional Provocation”
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called the intrusion of Russian military drones into Polish airspace an intentional provocation. “There’s no reason to assume this was an accident,” he said. “These drones were most likely deliberately steered onto this course. To reach Ukraine, they did not need to take this route.” Pistorius added that according to information provided by Poland, the drones were also properly armed.
NATO Allies Prepare for Hybrid Threats
Boris Pistorius further deemed this an additional proof of constant risk posed by Russian military forces’ provocations in the air space over the Baltic Sea, Baltic Sea, and Central Europe through hybrid attacks or drone attacks. “We’re preparing for this,” he assured. Earlier, the German Ministry of Defence reported that at night, the readiness level of German Patriot defense system units stationed at the Polish airfield in Rzeszów was increased.
German Foreign Minister Condemns Escalation
Nicolas Wadephul, German foreign minister, strongly condemned the intrusion of Russian drones into Polish airspace. “Russia has recklessly decided on a dangerous escalation of conflict,” he said. Wadephul noted that the incident is being carefully analyzed and discussed during the NATO meeting in Brussels, with consultations to be continued in Brussels and in all capitals of NATO member states.
