Three nations urge stronger air defenses after Russian drones hit Poland
Illustrative photo: Air defense system (Getty Images)
The foreign ministers of Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine have condemned the incursion of Russian drones into Polish territory. The diplomats urged an urgent strengthening of Ukraine's air defenses, according to the joint statement of the foreign ministers.
"We, the Foreign Ministers of Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine – the Lublin Triangle, strongly condemn the recent intrusion of Russian drones into Polish territory. This was a deliberate and coordinated strike constituting an unprecedented provocation and escalation of tension," the statement reads.
The diplomats stressed that Russia's actions, as well as Belarus's consent to the use of its airspace, pose a direct threat to the security of all countries in the region.
The ministers emphasized that only joint efforts can guarantee the protection of citizens. Ukraine is ready to share intelligence and operational data with Poland, Lithuania, and other partners to build an effective early-warning and counteraction system against drone and missile attacks.
The document highlights the need for better coordination among structures responsible for air security. Such measures should improve the effectiveness of air defense systems.
The countries called on partners to urgently strengthen Ukraine's air defense, as well as to support Lithuania and Poland in reinforcing the security of NATO's and the EU's eastern flank. According to the diplomats, only an adequate and resolute response can prevent further escalation.
According to the statement, the incident has been accompanied by a surge in Russian disinformation. Therefore, societies are urged to remain vigilant and resist manipulation.
Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine underlined that unity, cooperation, and mutual support within NATO and the EU are key to countering Russian aggression and ensuring the safety of citizens.
Russian drones over Poland
On September 10, about two dozen Russian strike drones violated Polish airspace from the directions of Ukraine and Belarus. Air defense forces and aviation managed to shoot down only four of them.
One drone damaged a residential building in a village in Lublin Voivodeship, while another fell on the territory of a military base but did not cause detonation.
In total, fragments of 16 downed drones were found in the eastern border regions with Ukraine.
Following the drone raid, Poland appealed to NATO for additional air defense systems and protection against unmanned aerial vehicles.
Read more about the overnight Shahed attack on Poland in RBC-Ukraine's report.
