Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, responding to the attack by Russian drones that violated Polish airspace, emphasized the need for consolidated efforts among European states to ensure effective protection of the skies. In his evening address on September 10, he urged European countries to act together, utilizing coordination, careful planning, and combined resources.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukraine’s Proposal for European Partners
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is ready to provide support with both modern technologies and crew training, as well as share intelligence data.
“Only joint European forces can provide protection. We are ready to assist with technology, crew training, and necessary intelligence… It is important to build a strong countermeasure – as needed. Ukraine proposes to coordinate, thoughtfully, and jointly protect the airspace. We have presented to our partners how to do this,” said Zelensky.
He also reported that during negotiations with the leaders of Poland, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the NATO Secretary General, an agreement was reached for a meeting between military officials and representatives of the defense ministries of Ukraine and Poland in the near future. The Ukrainian side will present its experience in combating drones.
International Community’s Reaction and Incident Details
The President of Ukraine expressed disappointment over the lack of a strong response from world leaders to Russia’s actions, emphasizing that mere statements cannot stop further aggression. He also pointed out that Russia and Belarus are conducting joint military exercises, which may be part of a broader military action plan.
The Polish authorities reported a violation of their airspace by 19 Russian drones during a nighttime attack on Ukraine. The aerospace operation to ensure security was conducted by Polish F-16 fighters, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS reconnaissance aircraft, and NATO refueling planes. The Russian Ministry of Defense, for its part, stated that their strikes were aimed exclusively at military targets in Ukraine, and they did not plan to hit targets in Poland.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that allies expressed solidarity with Poland and condemned the behavior of the Russian Federation. According to him, a detailed assessment of the incident is ongoing, but it is already clear that such violations are not isolated. NATO is prepared to defend every inch of its territory, and air defense resources are on constant alert. Rutte emphasized that this incident proved the necessity of further increasing investments in the alliance’s defense and supporting Ukraine.
Representatives of the Polish government stated that they have no doubt about the intentional violation of the country’s airspace by Russian drones.