(Reuters) -Poland shot down drones that entered its airspace on Wednesday, the first time a member of NATO is known to have fired shots during Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Here are some reactions to the situation from leading politicians.
POLISH PRIME MINISTER DONALD TUSK
“We are dealing with a large-scale provocation… We are ready to repel such provocations. The situation is serious, and no-one doubts that we must prepare for various scenarios.”
“The fact that these drones, which posed a security threat, were shot down changes the political situation.”
“This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two.”
ANDREY ORDASH, RUSSIAN CHARGE D’AFFAIRES IN POLAND, CITED BY RUSSIA’S RIA STATE NEWS AGENCY
“We see the accusations as groundless. No evidence that these drones are of Russian origin has been presented.”
KAJA KALLAS, EUROPEAN UNION HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY
“Russia’s war is escalating, not ending. We must raise the cost on Moscow, strengthen support for Ukraine, and invest in Europe’s defence.”
“The EU plays a major role and we will support initiatives like the Eastern Border Shield defence line.”
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
“The incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace during an attack carried out by Russia against Ukraine is simply unacceptable. I condemn it in the strongest terms. I call on Russia to put an end to this reckless escalation.”
“I reiterate to the Polish people and their government our full solidarity. I will soon speak with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. We will not compromise on the security of the Allies.”
(Reporting by Alan Charlish in Warsaw, Mathias de Rozario in Paris and Andrew Gray in BrusselsCompiled by Timothy HeritageEditing by Peter Graff)
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