Polish FM Sikorski warns: NATO will shoot down Russian aircraft or missiles violating its airspace

NATO members will down any Russian aircraft or missiles that violate their airspace, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski told the UN Security Council on Monday.

Sikorski said the alliance had previously ignored Moscow’s provocations, but instead of apologising, Russia continued to lie. He stressed that such violations amount to an escalation of hybrid warfare, which Russia has waged against the West for years. This, he noted, includes assassinations of politicians, journalists, human rights defenders and refugees; cyberattacks on hospitals and financial institutions; arson in Poland, the UK, and Lithuania; incendiary parcels sent across Europe, including to Germany; and attacks on Ukrainian embassies.

The Minister called for a clear signal to be sent to Moscow, warning that such provocations would not be tolerated.

Addressing Russian representatives directly, Sikorski argued that Moscow disregards international law and cannot live peacefully with its neighbours. He added that Russia’s “mad nationalism” fuels its imperial ambitions, but every Ukrainian drone strike brings closer the day when Russians realise the empire cannot be rebuilt.

“We are peaceful democracies, but we will not be intimidated. If another missile or aircraft enters our airspace - deliberately or by accident - it will be shot down, and the debris will fall on NATO territory. Do not come here to complain - you have been warned,” Sikorski declared.