Finnish President Alexander Stubb has described the incursion of Russian drones in Polish airspace as “unacceptable”.
“It is a direct consequence of Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine and its increased strikes by unmanned systems in the last months. Russia carries responsibility for this,” he posted on X on Wednesday morning.
“We will discuss the situation with our Polish friends and with all allies and partners. Poland has our support. Instead of peace, Russia seeks escalation. We have to keep supporting Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia and its war economy,” Stubb added.
On Wednesday morning, the Polish Armed Forces said they deployed weapons to neutralise least 19 drone-type objects that “repeatedly violated” their airspace during Russian strikes on Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that the Polish Armed Forces used weapons against Russian targets.
The Polish military thanked Nato’s Air Command and the Netherlands for deploying F35 fighter jets to ensure safety in Polish skies, the BBC reported.
This apparently marks the first time that Nato countries have participated in the destruction of a Russian target since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in early 2022.
PM Orpo: Article 4 will help
As of early Wednesday afternoon, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) had not yet taken a stance on whether the airspace violation was a deliberate provocation.
“As is the Finnish way, it is better to examine the matter very carefully,” he told news service STT, adding that conclusions can be drawn after making precise considerations.
However, he said the matter would be quickly clarified, and then assessments about the situation will be made.
“If it was a provocation, that is indeed a lot more serious,” he said.
The airspace incursions in Poland have prompted the country to trigger Nato’s Article 4, which enables consultations with allies.
Orpo said he thinks Poland’s triggering of Article 4 was a good move, because it will offer Nato members access to the same information, share a common view of the situation and cooperate in their support of Poland.
According to Orpo, the development is significant in that was the first time during Russia’s war in Ukraine in which a Nato country shot down Russian targets.
“These kinds of airspace violations have happened in the past, but this time there were several of them and crossed a threshold that prompted Poland to defend itself with weapons. This is a major change and must be taken very seriously,” Orpo said.
However, the PM noted that there is no need for worry in Finland, as there is no direct, acute threat to the country and that Finland is well prepared. Orpo also condemned the incursions and voiced support for Poland as he addressed Parliament on Wednesday afternoon.
Defence Ministry: “No surprise”
According to the Finnish Defence Ministry, Russian drone incursions into Polish territory are “no surprise”.
Janne Kuusela, Director General of the ministry’s defence policy department, commented on Yle’s morning talk show early on Wednesday as details were still emerging.
“This doesn’t come as a surprise. Drones have entered the airspace and soil of Nato countries near Ukraine before. Now, apparently, Poland has used armed force to repel them,” he said.
Polish president issued warning in Helsinki a day earlier
Russia has significantly stepped up its attacks on Ukraine with unmanned weapon systems in recent weeks and months, he noted.
“It’s no wonder that they end up in the wrong places. The fact that Poland has repelled them is quite understandable. Every country ensures the integrity of its own airspace,” Kuusela said.
Finnish foreign policy leaders did not immediately comment on Wednesday morning, but Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson slammed the Russian violations of Polish airspace as “unacceptable”.
On a visit to Helsinki on Tuesday, Poland’s newly elected President Karol Nawrocki warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin was prepared to attack other countries besides Ukraine.
Finnair cancels flight
Meanwhile, Finnair cancelled its morning flight from Helsinki to the Polish capital Warsaw.
The airspace over Poland’s major air hub, Warsaw Chopin International Airport, was closed until shortly before 9am Finnish time due to the drone strikes.
The Finnish flag carrier said that its next flight to Warsaw would depart as scheduled at 11.35am.
10.47am: Updated with Stubb comments.
2:37pm: Updated with Orpo comments.
