Former Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt has labeled the Russian drone incursion over Polish airspace as a 'massive violation'. The incident, involving numerous drones, has sparked reactions from European leaders, with Poland's Prime Minister and EU's foreign chief condemning the act. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and other officials have expressed strong support for Poland, emphasizing the threat posed by Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Carl Bildt Condemns Russian Drone Incursion as 'Massive Violation'
Carl Bildt Condemns Russian Drone Incursion as 'Massive Violation'
"Massive violation." That's how Sweden's former Foreign Minister Carl Bildt describes the Russian drones over Polish airspace. "A single Russian attack drone gone astray is one thing, but this was a large number," he writes on X.
The former Swedish Foreign Minister shared an image showing the movement of drones over Ukraine and eastern Poland during the night leading to Wednesday, based on information from the Telegram channel Monitor war.
"This shows a quite massive violation of Polish airspace by Russian attack drones," he writes on X.
In one post, he suggests it is unlikely to be an intentional violation, while in the next, he notes the large number involved.
"Big question mark. A response may be necessary to prevent this from becoming a pattern," Carl Bildt further writes.
Several European leaders communicated on Wednesday morning that much indicates it is a deliberate provocation.
"The most serious Russian violation of European airspace since the war broke out," writes EU's foreign chief Kaja Kallas on X.
"Last night, Poland's airspace was violated by an enormous number of Russian drones. Those posing a direct threat were shot down," writes Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk on X.
Kristersson: Unacceptable Violations
Russia's violations of Polish airspace last night are unacceptable, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in a comment to Expressen.
- The Russian aggression war against Ukraine poses a threat to the entire security of Europe. Poland has every right to defend its airspace. We give our full support to Poland, as a NATO ally and EU member. Sweden and Poland stand united in our support for Ukraine, says the Prime Minister.
This aligns with the message from Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M).
"Russian violations of Poland's airspace are unacceptable," she writes on X and continues:
"Russia's aggression war against Ukraine is a threat to the entire security of Europe."
Social Democrats' party leader Magdalena Andersson tells TT that the incident is likely not the last of its kind.
- I believe the entire Swedish society should be prepared for Russia to continue testing boundaries.