Spanish MFA summons Russian chargé d’affaires over drone attack on Poland
Photo: Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares (Getty Images)
The Spanish Foreign Ministry summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Russian Embassy in Madrid to express its "condemnation of the unacceptable violation of Polish airspace," according to Rai News.
It is noted that this measure was taken after Russian aggression against Ukraine on September 10 extended into Polish airspace, where at least eight drones were deliberately launched and later shot down by air defense forces.
"This concerns a violation of the airspace of a partner and ally," emphasized Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.
He called for "unity and determination" in response to the attack, while also urging "not to rush to conclusions," stressing that Spain is working for the peace and security of Europe and Europeans.
Drone attack on Poland
During the attack on Ukraine on the night of September 10, some Russian drones entered Polish airspace. Polish air defenses began intercepting the aerial targets.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that a total of 19 Russian drones were detected in the country’s airspace. Most entered from Belarusian territory. Four drones were successfully shot down.
Later, it was reported that the debris of the downed drones was found in 11 settlements across Poland. One drone crashed on the territory of a Territorial Defense Forces unit.
According to Bild, F-35 fighter jets used missiles costing €400,000 each to destroy drones during the attack on Poland.
The latest information indicates that debris from 16 Russian drones that entered Polish territory during the attack has been found. One drone fell on the grounds of a military base but caused no damage.
In response to the Russian attack, NATO invoked Article 4, allowing member states to discuss the situation with allies in the North Atlantic Council.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the Alliance’s response to the incident in Poland "very successful." He emphasized that the past night demonstrated NATO’s readiness to defend every inch of its territory, including its airspace.
The Russian Ministry of Defense, responding to NATO countries’ statements, falsely claimed that the range of the drones attacking Poland "does not exceed 700 kilometers" and that no targets in Poland were planned.
However, according to analysts, the Russian forces equipped the Gerbera drones with additional fuel tanks, increasing their flight range. This allowed the Russian drones to reach Poland.
For more on what is behind the Kremlin’s actions, why it happened now, and how NATO may respond, see the RBC-Ukraine material.
