Zelenskyy urges Poland and Romania to shoot down Russian drones over Ukraine
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Poland could help Ukraine shoot down Russian drones to protect its citizens. Romania could also assist Ukraine.
This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with journalists on September 19.
The head of state said it is fair to speak about a joint solution for Ukraine and Poland regarding the threat posed by Russian drones.
"Not only to prevent drones from falling on Ukrainians, but also to stop them from reaching Polish territory, and for these to be decisions made together. We have air defense systems — we shoot down everything flying toward us and toward Poland. And likewise, Poland shoots down with its aircraft everything flying toward them and toward us," he explained.
Zelenskyy noted that Poland can help protect only regions in western Ukraine — where it has the capacity.
"Or it could be not only Poland, but also Romania; we are not counting on others," he added.
Russian drones in Poland
During Russia's nighttime attack on Ukraine on September 10, several Russian drones entered Poland. In total, fragments of 16 drones that crossed the border during the attack on Ukraine were found on Polish territory.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported that the country’s airspace was violated at least 19 times.
Following the incident, NATO activated Article 4 of the alliance for the first time in response to the incursion of Russian drones into Poland.
A few days after the incident, Poland launched Operation Eastern Sentry.
