Russia denies targeting Poland as UK condemns 'unprecedented' drone strikes
Russia’s Defence Ministry said, “No objects on Polish territory were planned to be targeted. The maximum range of UAVs used in the strike does not exceed 700 km [435 miles]. Nonetheless, we are ready to hold consultations with the Polish Defence Ministry on the subject.”
Russia on Wednesday (10 September) stated that it had no plans to target any locations in Poland, following reports that 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace during overnight attacks on western Ukraine, reports BBC.
In a daily briefing on strikes against Ukraine, Russia's Defence Ministry said, "No objects on Polish territory were planned to be targeted. The maximum range of UAVs used in the strike does not exceed 700 km [435 miles]. Nonetheless, we are ready to hold consultations with the Polish Defence Ministry on the subject."
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that up to four of the 19 drones were shot down by Polish and NATO aircraft, marking the first time Russian drones have been intercepted over the territory of a NATO member state.
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Tusk also warned that Poland is now at its closest point to open conflict since World War II.
Meanwhile, the UK Defence Minister announced that he has instructed armed forces to "look at options to bolster" NATO's air defence over Poland.
BBC Monitoring's Russia editor noted that, so far, the Western response has not been sufficient to convince Moscow that there would be consequences if it sends drones into Poland.
The drones that entered Polish airspace were part of a massive overnight strike on Ukraine, during which Russia launched 415 drones.
