Implementing the idea of establishing a no-fly zone in Ukraine and the possibility of NATO countries shot down Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) would mean a war between the alliance and Russia, Deputy Chairman of the Russian National Security Council Dmitry Medvedev warned on September 15.
He pointed out that the idea of " Establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine and allowing NATO to shoot down our UAVs has one only meaning: NATO enters war with Russia".
This assessment was shared by Mr. Medvedev on his Telegram channel after Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski's statement regarding the no-fly zone.
Medvedev also expressed his view that Europe's defensive initiative "Eastern sentry" is "an entertainment game", while emphasizing that it seems to be all that remains of the "voluntary alliance".
The issue of establishing a no-fly zone in Ukrainian airspace should be discussed. This was stated by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski on September 14 in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ).
If Ukraine requires us to shoot down drones in their territory, it will be in our favor. If you ask me my personal opinion, I think we should consider it, Sikorski said when asked about the establishment of a no-fly zone in Ukrainian airspace.
The Polish diplomat said the possibility had been discussed with European leaders a year ago.
Mr. Sikorski noted that Poland does not have the right to make its own decision on this issue but needs to wait for the response of NATO and the EU.
Ukraine's no-fly zone was pushed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shortly after the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in the country. The content was discussed by NATO allies in 2022 but rejected on concerns that direct confrontation with Russian fighter jets could increase tensions and expand the conflict.
The current proposal by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski seems to be limited to dealing with Russian drones approaching Ukraine's border with NATO member states.
The Polish Ministry of Home Affairs said a total of 16 drones were spotted across the country after the invasion on September 10. Polish and Dutch fighters intercepted the drones, with the support of Italy, Germany and NATO's multinational forces.
In response to drone attacks, NATO allies have launched an "Eastern sentry" campaign to protect Polish airspace. On September 15, the UK announced that the country's air force will also participate in the campaign.
