Vladimir Putin’s close associate has issued a stark warning of a potential all-out conflict with NATO if the alliance targets Russian drones, following an incident where one drone strayed into the airspace of two NATO member countries.
Russian authorities are on edge after Poland renewed its push for NATO to establish a no-fly zone over certain areas of Ukraine in response to a recent drone incursion. This move, seen as a test of NATO’s determination by Moscow, has raised concerns of a possible escalation to a global conflict.
The suggestion of a no-fly zone and increased aerial presence in Ukraine has been condemned as a provocative proposal by a key ally of Putin, who cautioned of a looming conflict between NATO and Russia.
Poland’s foreign minister called for NATO to intercept missiles and drones flying over its territory, a stance endorsed by Ukraine. However, Dmitry Medvedev, a prominent Russian figure, swiftly rebuked the idea, warning that such actions would lead to a war between NATO and Russia.
Russian officials have long maintained that any attempt by NATO to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine would be viewed as a direct provocation, but Poland argues that targeting drones would be advantageous for Western nations.
Recent weeks have seen an uptick in Russian drone activity infringing on NATO airspace, including an incident in Romania where four out of 23 drones flying into Poland were shot down. Romania responded by deploying F-16 jets to monitor a drone that briefly entered its airspace.
Despite these developments, NATO is not currently considering implementing a no-fly zone. Instead, member countries have agreed to increase the presence of fighter jets and strengthen their eastern flank, with Denmark, France, and Germany leading the initiative, likely to be supported by the UK.
