Poland has rejected US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Russia’s drone incursion into Poland’s air space this week was a mistake.
"We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake. But it wasn't. And we know it," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted on X on Friday. Twenty-one Russian drones violated Poland’s air space on Wednesday morning. Several of the drones were destroyed with NATO fighter jets.
While the unprecedented incursion triggered strong response from NATO countries, Trump gave little comment on the matter, expressing surprise to the incident in a social media post. Commenting on the incursion, Trump posted on Wednesday: “Could have been an mistake”, but he added: “Regardless, I’m not happy about anything having to do with that whole situation.”
NATO’s Secretary-General Mark Rutte also seemed on the fence, stating on Friday that the assessment of the incursion was underway and “whether or not Russia’s actions were deliberate, Russia violated NATO airspace”.
“We have seen drones violate our airspace in Romania, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – whether intentional or not, it is dangerous and unacceptable,” Rutte went on saying. He described the recent incident as Russia’s “recklessness” along NATO’s eastern flank.
Rutte announced on Friday that NATO would be sending more troops and military assets to enhance Poland’s air defences against future Russian attacks.
