EU's Von der Leyen: 'Europe stands in full solidarity with Poland'

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russian drones had violated Polish airspace on Wednesday (10 September) calling the attack "reckless".

"Europe stands in full solidarity with Poland," Von der Leyen told members of the European Parliament.

She condemned Russia's actions. "We have all seen what Russia means by diplomacy. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin refuses to meet (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy. Last week, Russia launched the largest number of drones and ballistic missiles in a single attack. Yesterday, there was a missile attack on a village in Donetsk, targeting people waiting to pick up their pensions. More than 20 were killed," she said.

"And just today, we have seen a reckless and unprecedented violation of Poland and Europe's airspace by more than 10 Russian Shahed drones," von der Leyen added.

She said that the EU was now working on a 19th sanctions package, looking at ways to phase out Russian fossil fuels faster. 

Poland's airspace was violated by a number of Russian drones, and those that posed a direct threat were shot down, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.

The move marks the first time a member of the NATO alliance has fired shots in the war.

“This is the first time Russian drones have been shot down over the territory of a NATO country. Therefore, all our allies are taking the situation very seriously. We have not recorded any casualties,” Tusk said.

“Of course, the search for debris from the downed drones is ongoing," Tusk added.

"We are slowly reopening airports. The closure of airports was not caused by a threat or an attack on airports, but was necessitated by the operational needs of our pilots." 

He has also declared that Poland is fully prepared to respond to any attacks or provocations following the incident in which Polish forces shot down Russian drones that had entered the country’s airspace.

"We are ready to repel such provocations and attacks; we are well prepared, and the situation is serious. Today, no one can doubt that we must prepare for various scenarios.”

President Zelenskyy reported that at least eight Russian drones targeted Poland during a massive Russian overnight assault on Ukraine, highlighting the use of Iranian-made Shahed drones by Russia.

Copied