Prime Minister Tusk stresses caution but confirms the determination to defend the territory

At a press conference held today in Warsaw, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Poland will not hesitate to shoot down any object that violates its airspace and represents a threat. The stance comes at a moment of tension with Russia, marked by recent air incursions both over Polish territory and that of Estonia, a NATO member.

"We will make the decision to shoot down flying objects when they violate our territory and fly over Poland, on this there is absolutely no discussion", said Tusk. His comment follows Czech President Petr Pavel urging NATO to respond firmly to Russian violations, suggesting the possibility of shooting down aircraft or drones if necessary.

Tusk's statements draw a hard line, but with a cautious approach in less clear-cut situations. The prime minister referred to a recent episode in which two Russian fighters overflew the safety zone of the Petrobaltic drilling platform in the Baltic Sea, without, however, entering Polish territorial waters. In such cases, he explained, "you really have to think twice before deciding on actions that could trigger a very acute phase of conflict". The premier also stressed the importance of a unanimous response among NATO allies, saying he needs "to be absolutely certain that all allies will treat the matter exactly the same way we do".

These tensions reflect the widespread concern common among members of the Atlantic Alliance. Just last Friday, three Russian combat aircraft violated Estonian airspace (see for details AVIONEWS), prompting Tallinn to convene an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the first formal request in 34 years of membership. In addition, between 9 and 10 September more than twenty Russian drones entered Polish airspace during missile attacks on Ukraine, an event Warsaw described as "an act of aggression".

In response to these provocations, the Atlantic Alliance has stepped up its readiness. Italy, with its F-35s, and other Scandinavian allies have already been engaged in interception operations. The situation continues to evolve, with NATO countries seeking a balance between deterrence and the need to avoid uncontrolled escalation.

On the subject see also for details AVIONEWS 1 and 2.