The foreign ministers of Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania, in the format of the Lublin Triangle, issued a joint statement regarding the violation of Poland’s airspace by Russian drones. The diplomats strongly condemned this incident, describing it as “a deliberate and coordinated strike that constitutes an unprecedented provocation and escalation of tension.”
This is reported by Kyiv24
Threat to Regional Security
The statement emphasizes that Russia’s actions and Belarus’s consent to the use of its airspace pose a direct threat to the security of Eastern European countries. The ministers stressed that only joint and coordinated efforts can ensure reliable protection for the citizens of the three states.
“Only coordinated joint actions can guarantee the safety of our citizens. We acknowledge and appreciate Ukraine’s readiness to share all available intelligence and operational data with Poland, Lithuania, and other partners to build an effective early warning and defense system against Russian missile attacks and drone strikes,” the statement reads.
The countries called for enhanced coordination and operational cooperation among the structures responsible for air security to avoid negative consequences from Russia’s future actions. They also urged partners to “urgently” strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and support Lithuania and Poland in ensuring the stability of NATO’s and the EU’s eastern flank.
Details of the Incident and International Reaction
According to official data from Polish authorities, on the night of September 10, 19 Russian drones attacking Ukraine violated Poland’s airspace. They were shot down by NATO forces. The operation involved Polish F-16 fighters, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS reconnaissance aircraft, and NATO multi-role refueling aircraft.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced readiness for joint airspace defense: Ukraine offers assistance in the form of technology, crew training, and the provision of intelligence data. According to him, an agreement has already been reached to hold a meeting soon between military and defense officials from Ukraine and Poland, during which the Ukrainian side will share its experience in countering drones.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that the target of the nighttime attack on September 10 was only facilities on Ukrainian territory, and that “no targets were planned on Polish territory.” The Polish government, in turn, assures that the incursion of Russian drones into its territory was intentional.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, following a meeting of ambassadors from member countries of the alliance, emphasized that allies expressed solidarity with Poland and condemned Russia’s actions.
The joint statement from the foreign ministries specifically highlights the increase in Russian disinformation levels provoked by this incident. Diplomats urge citizens of Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania to remain vigilant and critically assess information that may be part of Russia’s information manipulations.
The states also emphasized that unity, strength, and cooperation with NATO and EU allies remain key factors for effectively countering Russian aggression and ensuring the security of the peoples in the region.