Tusk warned of the risk of alleged accidental Russian strikes on NATO countries
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Russian attacks on Ukraine are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, and that there is a real risk of “accidental” drone and missile strikes on NATO countries, particularly Poland.
According to estimates by Polish intelligence agencies, the most critical period will be late fall and winter—through early spring. The Polish prime minister emphasized that Russia will attempt to pass off potential attacks as mistakes in order to test the unity of the allies and cast doubt on the effectiveness of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
In addition, Tusk noted that Moscow is not ready for genuine peace talks and seeks only Ukraine’s de facto surrender. In response to these threats, Poland is strengthening its defense of the border with Ukraine by deploying air defense systems and setting up Hesco-Bastion observation and security posts.
Donald Tusk emphasized: “There is a real risk that drones or other missiles could fly into the territory of one or more NATO countries on the eastern flank and even cause destruction. And the official narrative will be that this is an ‘accident’ and that there is no reason for anyone to consider a NATO response.”
The Polish prime minister made these remarks during a speech in the Sejm, according to Ukrinform.
In recent months, Russia has been increasingly using sabotage, cyberattacks, arson, and other hybrid methods against European countries. According to Bloomberg, defense enterprises and the logistics infrastructure supporting Ukraine are increasingly becoming the primary targets. European officials fear that, due to the growing risks, such attacks could ultimately lead to civilian casualties.
On September 17, a Russian attack drone crashed near the Polish border in Volhynia. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted that the crash caused a very powerful explosion.
