UK summons Russian ambassador as ‘unprecedented’ Nato airspace violation sparks WW3 fear | World | News
The UK has summoned the Russian ambassador following the countrys unprecedented violation of Nato airspace, the Foreign Office has said.
Last Wednesday, it emerged that NATO member Poland had shot down Russian suicide drones in a dramatic escalation after the deadly devices “repeatedly violated” its airspace during a savage attack on Ukraine.
The nation was forced to scramble its air defenses in the early hours of Wednesday to blast the menacing craft out of the sky in what is said to be its first direct military engagement against Russian forces since the Ukraine war began
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned Russia’s “reckless” behaviour and called it “deeply concerning”. Polish leaders said multiple Russian drones entered and were shot down over its territory with help from Nato allies – describing the incident as an “act of aggression” carried out during a wave of Russian strikes on Ukraine.
He said: “This was an extremely reckless move by Russia and only serves to remind us of President Putin’s blatant disregard for peace, and the constant bombardment innocent Ukrainians face every day.”
The Foreign Office said the incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace were “utterly unacceptable”.
Andrei Kelin, Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s man in London, has been summoned by the department.
A spokesperson said: “Significant and unprecedented violation of Polish and Nato airspace by Russian drones last week, followed by a further incursion into Romanian airspace on Saturday, was utterly unacceptable.”
“The UK stands united with Poland, Romania, Ukraine and our Nato allies in unreservedly condemning these reckless actions.”
“As our continent once again faces the egregious expansion of Russia‘s reckless behaviour, defence of Ukraine against Putin’s aggression is crucial to the security of the whole of Europe, including the UK.”
They added: “Russia should understand that its continued aggression only strengthens the unity between Nato allies and our determination to stand with Ukraine, and any further incursions will again be met with force.”
Historic first clash between Poland and Putin’s forces
Wednesday’s military clash between Poland and Russia was the first of its kind since the brutal invasion of Ukraine in 2022 – a move seen as a dangerous escalation by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The NATO nation’s army command revealed its airspace was violated by “drone-type objects” during Russia‘s merciless attack across the border in Ukraine.
“An operation is underway aimed at identifying and neutralising these objects… weapons have been used, and service personnel are carrying out actions to locate the downed objects,” it said in a chilling statement.
Military operation sparks mass airport closures
The armed forces confirmed the military operation was ongoing and urged people to stay at home, naming the regions of Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin as most at risk from Putin’s drone menace.
“The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces is monitoring the situation, and subordinate forces and units remain on full readiness for immediate response,” it added ominously.
At least one US F-35 was among the NATO warplanes thundering through the skies, while a refuelling aircraft was dispatched from the Netherlands.
