Europe Responds to Russian Drone Incursion

Warsaw, Sep 12 (AP) Europe has responded to Russia's recent drone incursion into Poland with significant measures, as France deploys fighter jets and the UK imposes fresh sanctions aimed at crippling Russia's oil revenues and military efforts. The actions are intended to send a clear signal to Moscow that further aggression will not go unchecked.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of three advanced Rafale fighter jets to fortify Poland's airspace and strengthen NATO's eastern defenses. This decision fulfills a commitment made to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and was discussed with NATO's Secretary-General Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Macron emphasized that “The security of the European continent is our top priority. We will not yield to Russia's growing intimidation,” he posted on X.

The United Kingdom has unveiled new sanctions targeting 70 vessels that are part of Russia's "shadow fleet," known to transport Russian oil in violation of existing sanctions. Moreover, 30 individuals and companies, including those based in China and Turkey, have been penalized for supplying Russia with components like electronics, chemicals, explosives, and other military equipment.

During a visit to Kyiv, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper underscored the UK's solidarity with Ukraine, which faces intensified missile and drone attacks from Russia. “The UK will not stand idly by as Putin continues his barbaric invasion of Ukraine,” Cooper asserted, criticizing Russia's “complete disregard for sovereignty” by violating NATO airspace with drones. She emphasized the necessity of international economic action against Russia to cut off essential funds needed for its ongoing war.

Poland's Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski was also in Kyiv for discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, concerning shared security, Ukraine's potential EU and NATO membership, and strategies to pressure Moscow. Poland’s Defence Ministry indicated plans to collaborate with Ukraine on training against drone threats.

Wednesday's Russian drone strike on Polish soil has undeniably alarmed European leaders, viewing it as a deliberate provocation and a potential spark for broader conflict in Europe. This incident has pushed NATO allies to critically assess their defensive measures against further threats.

Efforts led by the United States to facilitate a peace settlement between Moscow and Kyiv have not yet borne fruit. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk rejected US President Donald Trump's suggestion that the drone incursion might have been a mistake. “We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake,” Tusk commented on X. “But it wasn't. And we know it.”

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)