Russian ambassador summoned over continued ‘violation of NATO airspace’ which could trigger Article 5 – London Business News | London Wallet

The Russian ambassador to the UK has been summoned to the Foreign Office following Russia’s continued “violations of NATO airspace” in Europe.

Last week NATO fighter jets were scrambled and shot down Russian “suicide drones” which was the alliance’s first military engagement against Moscow.

The British Foreign Office said that the violations of NATO airspace is “utterly unacceptable” and a Home Office spokesperson said the UK condemns the “reckless action.”

A Home Office spokesman said, “Significant and unprecedented violation of Polish and Nato airspace by Russian drones last week, followed by a further incursion into Romanian airspace on Saturday, was utterly unacceptable.

“The UK stands united with Poland, Romania, Ukraine and our Nato allies in unreservedly condemning these reckless actions.

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As our continent once again faces the egregious expansion of Russia’s reckless behaviour, defence of Ukraine against Putin’s aggression is crucial to the security of the whole of Europe, including the UK.

They added, “Russia should understand that its continued aggression only strengthens the unity between Nato allies and our determination to stand with Ukraine, and any further incursions will again be met with force.

Russia must end its illegal war on Ukraine.”

On Monday the Polish Foreign Minister issued a grim warning that NATO’s Article 5 is “coming dangerously close” to being triggered, meaning all-out war will be declared on Russia.

This comes as tensions are on a knife edge after Russia launched up to 24 “suicide drones” into Polish airspace scrambling NATO fighter jets who shot down the aerial targets over Poland.

Poland has invoked Article 4 which provides a strong security guarantee, Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski has said that incidents which has taken place in Poland will lead to Article 5 being triggered should there be another drone incursion.

Last Wednesday NATO invoked Article 4 of the treaty after a large number Russian “suicide drones” violated Polish airspace.

Article 4 states, “The Parties will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened.”

Sikorski said that Poland’s Rzeszow airport is a key logistics hub for NATO supporting Ukraine, and should the airport be attacked then war will be declared on Russia.

He told the Kyiv Independent Russia is “coming dangerously towards” Article 5 being triggered.

He added,  “Some media are speculating that the trajectory of some of the drones was towards Rzeszow, the main airport through which equipment to Ukraine gets through.

“Our first duty is to protect the hub from Russian sabotage, from Russian espionage, and from Russian kinetic attacks. And we are in charge of managing this complex logistical operation.”