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NATO Allies expressed solidarity with Romania and Poland at a meeting on Wednesday centred on recent airspace violations for of two of its frontline member states.
Several drones have breached Romanian airspace in recent weeks, with the country’s president Nicușor Dan stating it is “inadmissible and intolerable” for the Kremlin to continue violating the country’s skies.
A cruise missile crashed into Polish territory on 29 July, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk then clarifying the armed unmanned aerial vehicle fell 50 kilometres away from the city of Lublin and was “probably” Russian.
“This incident is yet another reckless act by Russia and a dangerous consequence of its war against Ukraine,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said in response.
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said on Wednesday allies expressed solidarity with Romania and Poland regarding the incursions and that Russia was condemned for its “reckless actions”.
“Allies reiterated that Russia bears full responsibility for the airspace violations, which are dangerous and unacceptable, and demonstrate Russia’s increasing tolerance for risk,” a readout from the meeting stated.
They also reiterated their support for Ukraine as Russia’s full-scale invasion grinds into a fifth year.
“Allies underscored that they will not be deterred by these and other irresponsible acts by Russia from their enduring commitment to Ukraine, whose security contributes to ours.”
Romania’s Ambassador to NATO Dan Neculăescu said he used the meeting to underline the need for Allies to continue contributing to military capabilities, which allow Bucharest and NATO defend themselves more effectively.
“I also expressed solidarity with our Polish friends, as we continue to coordinate on the Eastern Flank,” he said.
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the Alliance showed clear solidarity and readiness to take “new actions” to strengthen security, particularly along NATO’s frontline borders and the Baltic Sea.
The meeting comes as Germany and other European countries have repeatedly noticed unmanned aerial vehicles flying over sensitive infrastructure sites, such as military bases, airports and industrial plants.
These episodes have also tested Europe’s ability to combat — and deter — Russian hybrid warfare attempts.
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