No Russian drones in Polish airspace were armed - Tusk
Poland has not yet classified any of the drones that were shot down during Russia’s incursion into its airspace as dangerous or armed, said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
On the night from September 9 to 10, about 20 Russian drones repeatedly violated Polish airspace during a major aerial attack on Ukraine. The incident, which Warsaw described as a provocation, prompted Poland and its NATO allies to scramble fighter jets, shooting down those of the drones that were established as a potential threat.
Up until today, fragments of 18 drones have been found in several Polish provinces, both in the eastern region and the central part of the country.
During a press briefing on Monday in Sierakowice, northern Poland, Tusk said that the search and examination of the debris from the downed drones is still in progress. "We are striving to be very thorough and avoid causing panic in this matter," he said.
When asked about the uncertainty surrounding the exact number of drones, the prime minister jokingly responded that the Russians did not provide information on the exact number of drones they were planning to send our way. "We will know how many drones fell once they have all been found," he said.
He maintained, however, that none of the drones that entered Polish airspace posed any real danger.
“At the moment, there is no reason to believe that any of these discoveries posed a risk," said the prime minister. "Thus far, there have been zero instances of armed drones that could detonate or endanger residents or their property."
Tusk was also asked about statements made by Czech President Petr Pavel on Saturday during the 'NATO Days' celebrations in Ostrava, eastern Czech Republic, where he said that NATO countries could shoot down Russian fighter jets, if they entered into their airspace.
"We are prepared for any decision aimed at the annihilation of any object that may pose a threat to us, such as the Russian fighter jets, should... they fly over our territorial waters," Tusk said.
He added that such scenarios would require thorough consideration, before making a decision that could lead to a serious escalation of conflict.
"When confronted with situations that are not entirely clear, such as the recent fly-over of Russian jets over (Polish energy giant Orlen's) Petrobaltic drilling platform, but without any breaches, as they were not our territorial waters. One must exercise great caution before making a decision about any actions that could escalate the conflict significantly," he said, adding that to make such a decision, he would have to have full confidence that Poland would have the backup and support of other allies.
"I would have to be a hundred percent certain... that all allies see it exactly the same way as we do. I would have to be a hundred percent sure that if the conflict entered a very severe level, we would not be alone." (PAP)
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