Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, stated today that, "Implementing the provocative idea of establishing a no-fly zone in Ukraine, as well as allowing NATO countries to shoot down our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), will only lead to one outcome: war between Russia and NATO."
Medvedev also mentioned NATO's Operation Eastern Protector, which aims to strengthen Poland's defenses. "It seems this is all that remains of the 'Alliance of Goodwill'," the Russian official said.
The "Alliance of Goodwill" is a group of countries with the common goal of ensuring Ukraine's security, mainly consisting of European nations. At a conference in France earlier this month, 26 countries in the alliance agreed to send troops to Ukraine or provide other support after the conflict in the country ends.
Medvedev's statements came after Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski suggested that NATO should consider establishing a no-fly zone in Ukraine, but noted that Warsaw could only make such a decision together with its allies. "If Ukraine asks us to shoot down targets over their territory, it would be beneficial for us as well," the Polish official said, referring to the threat from Russian UAVs.
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Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev in a photo posted 9/15. Photo: TASS |
Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev in a photo posted 9/15. Photo: TASS
Foreign Minister Sikorski mentioned the idea of establishing a no-fly zone in Ukraine after Poland accused at least "19 Russian UAVs" of violating its airspace on 9/10. Polish air defense forces and NATO garrison units responded, shooting down at least 4 aircraft, while the rest apparently crashed after running out of fuel.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki declared this a "provocative act by Russia," aimed at testing NATO's action mechanism and response capabilities.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on 9/10 that it had "no intention of attacking any targets within Polish territory" and was ready to consult with Warsaw on the issue.
NATO leaders announced Operation Eastern Protector on 9/12, deploying fighter jets and an air defense frigate to support Poland in protecting its airspace.
However, another NATO member, Romania, on 9/13 accused Russian UAVs of violating its airspace during Moscow's attack on infrastructure in western Ukraine. Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu said Romanian pilots "almost shot down" a Russian UAV as it flew low, before the aircraft changed direction and flew back towards Ukraine.
Pham Giang (According to TASS, Reuters, AFP)
