French President Emmanuel Macron said he would deploy three advanced Rafale fighter jets to help protect Poland’s airspace and NATO’s eastern flank following a Russian drone incursion last week
The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for Brits heading to Poland following a Russian drone incursion on Polish territory.
Last Wednesday, multiple Russian drones struck Polish territory, sending shockwaves through European leadership, who perceived it as a calculated provocation, reigniting deep-seated concerns that Russia’s three-year conflict with Ukraine might trigger an even larger crisis.
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said the drones were not loaded with munitions, suggesting that the incursion was a provocation rather than an out-and-out attack. He dismissed suggestions that Polish air defences had been unprepared for the incursion, given the fact that some of the drones travelled hundreds of miles into Polish territory, and that accounts suggest only three or four out of about 19 were shot down.
In response to the attack, France has announced the deployment of fighter jets to Poland, while the UK has unveiled new sanctions aimed at Russia’s oil income and military capabilities, marking Europe’s initial, calculated response to demonstrate to Moscow that further hostilities will be met with resistance.
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French President Emmanuel Macron has committed to sending three advanced Rafale fighter jets to bolster Poland’s air defences and support NATO’s eastern border, honouring a promise made to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Macron confirmed the move was coordinated with both NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“The security of the European continent is our top priority. We will not yield to Russia’s growing intimidation,” Macron declared on X.
The UK’s fresh sanctions target 70 ships identified as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which allegedly circumvent existing sanctions by transporting Russian oil. Additionally, around 30 entities and individuals, including those based in China and Turkey, have been sanctioned for their role in providing Russia with electronics, chemicals, explosives, and other components for weaponry.
The UK Foreign Office has long warned that travel to the eastern edge of Poland can be dangerous. “Russian military strikes have taken place in Ukraine within 20km of the Polish border. Access to the border is restricted,” the government department states online.
On Saturday, Polish and allied aircraft were deployed in a “preventive” operation across Poland’s airspace, prompting the temporary closure of Lublin Airport. The town is in the east of Poland, about 100km away from the Ukrainian border.
“We are aware there were disruptions at Lublin Airport for a short period on Saturday due to military air activity. Please check with your airline and Lublin Airport before travelling to the airport,” the Foreign Office warned Brits as a result.
While it is impossible to predict what will happen in Poland and its surrounding countries with regard to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Foreign Office advises that anyone travelling to Poland follow the advice of local authorities through a website which collates travel advice and warnings.
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The new UK sanctions coincide with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper’s inaugural visit to Kyiv on Friday, following her recent appointment amid Starmer’s Cabinet reshuffle. Cooper emphasised that her trip signifies the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine as it endures an intensified barrage of missiles and drones from Russia compared to the previous year.
“The UK will not stand idly by as Putin continues his barbaric invasion of Ukraine,” Cooper declared, highlighting what she described as the Russian president’s “complete disregard for sovereignty” in sending drones into NATO airspace.
“International action to increase economic pressure on Russia and to cut off critical cash flows which he desperately needs to pay for this illegal war is vital.”