French MP warns: Downing Russian drone or aircraft could trigger war
Photo: Head of the French delegation to PACE Bertrand Bouyx (Getty Images)
Shooting down a Russian drone or aircraft by a NATO country could be considered an act of war. However, European nations are still fully prepared to confront Russia, stated Bertrand Bouyx, head of the French delegation to PACE, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
"We have to be aware that if we destroy a drone or maybe one day, like Türkiye, shoot down the plane, it could be a declaration of war," he said.
However, he noted that today there is a strong willingness among European countries to fight back against Russia — a major change in the situation, he said.
When asked whether this change also affected the mindset of European politicians, the French lawmaker replied that it has taken place within the public as well.
"Now we see drones in Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. France regularly sees Russian planes flying nearby or submarines passing off its coasts. So there is a real concern today about this situation. It's something that has crossed an additional line," Bouyx said.
The head of the French delegation to PACE also added that after the first drone incident in a NATO country — in Poland — response models to such threats have evolved.
"Because now, in Germany, they said that they would shoot down every drone in their airspace," the head of the French delegation to PACE added.
On October 15, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the Alliance has all the means and authority to defend every inch of its airspace and territory.
On October 15, NATO ministers met in Belgium to discuss the defense of the Alliance's territory. One of the key topics was the downing of Russian aircraft and drones and the creation of a unified threat-response system.
