Poland will shoot down Russian missiles under one condition only - Polish MoD

The Polish minister noted that his country often puts F-16s on alert because of missile attacks on Ukrainian territory. However, Poland will shoot down Russian missiles over its territory if they pose a threat “to any place in Poland or other NATO member states.”

“There was no such case when the missile was aimed at a target on Polish territory, but yes, last week Polish F-16s took off and were ready to defend the territory near the border,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.

He also believes that the situation with the violation of Polish airspace also applies to Latvia and Romania, where unknown drones are often spotted.

“We have prepared an air defense system, we also have reinforced air defense. We are talking about Rzeszów airport, which is being transferred to NATO protection. Our allies America, Britain, Germany, Norway, and other countries are protecting us at the air base. And if this airspace is violated, the missile or drone will be shot down,” - the minister said.

At the same time, Kosinyak-Kamysz reminded that when it comes to shooting down targets over Ukrainian airspace, there is no NATO decision on this.

Shooting down Russian missiles

Ukraine has repeatedly asked Poland and Romania for help in shooting down Russian missiles and drones flying through its territory toward these countries. However, the implementation of such a decision requires the consent of NATO, in particular the United States, which has so far held back the process.

On October 30, members of the US Congress called on President Joe Biden to give Poland permission to destroy enemy targets over the territory of Ukraine.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Kyiv and Warsaw were discussing a mechanism that would allow Polish air defense to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine.