Poland's PM says the country will 'shoot down flying objects without question'

Poland's PM says the country will 'shoot down flying objects without question' after Czech president demanded NATO destroys any Russian jets that enter its airspace

PERKIN AMALARAJ,

Poland's prime minister says his nation will not hesitate to shoot down objects that violate its airspace and pose a threat. 

Estonia said three Russian fighter jets violated its airspace on Friday, adding to a sense among NATO leaders that Moscow is testing the alliance's readiness and resolve, with some urging a firm response. The United Nations Security Council is due to meet on Monday to discuss the incident.

Russia said on Monday the claim its jets violated Estonian airspace was false and designed to stir up tension.

The alleged incursion over Estonia came after more than 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace on the night of September 9-10. Poland also said on Friday two Russian fighter jets violated the safety zone of the Petrobaltic drilling platform in the Baltic Sea.

'We will take the decision to shoot down flying objects when they violate our territory and fly over Poland - there is absolutely no discussion about that,' Donald Tusk told a news conference, adding that Poland will take a more cautious approach to situations that are less clear-cut. 

'When we're dealing with situations that aren't entirely clear, such as the recent flight of Russian fighter jets over the Petrobaltic platform - but without any violation, because these aren't our territorial waters - you really need to think twice before deciding on actions that could trigger a very acute phase of conflict,' he added.

Tusk said that he would also need to be certain that Poland would not be alone if a conflict started to escalate.

'I also need to be absolutely certain... that all allies will treat this in exactly the same way as we do,' he said.

It comes after Czech president Petr Pavel warned that NATO must be ready to respond firmly to Russian airspace violations, even if that means shooting down their planes.

Mr Pavel said the organisation should act decisively to stop any breach of allied skies and make clear there are consequences for crossing the line.

He said: 'Russia will realise very quickly that they have made a mistake and crossed the acceptable boundaries. Unfortunately, this is teetering on the edge of conflict, but giving in to evil is simply not an option.'

It comes as the UN's Security Council will meet on Monday for emergency talks after Vladimir Putin's fighter jets flew into NATO-member Estonia's airspace, raising fears of World War Three.

Estonia announced on Sunday that the emergency session had been called 'in response to Russia's brazen violation of Estonian airspace.' 

Officials in Tallinn said it is the first time in 34 years of UN membership that the country, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, has formally requested such a meeting.

Set to begin at 15:00 BST, it will discuss what Estonia calls the 'blatant, reckless, and flagrant violation of NATO airspace'. 

The incursion took place on Friday when three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland. 

NATO confirmed that Italian F-35 jets on air defence duty in the Baltics were scrambled, supported by Swedish and Finnish aircraft, to intercept the Russians and warn them off. Moscow denied the allegation.

More...