Since that post was published, tensions in Eastern Europe have further deteriorated. When Russian drones recently violated Polish airspace, Polish leaders claimed military retaliation action was taken on the spot. The incidents fit with a growing pattern of Russian and Belarusian provocations. Polish leaders feel that this scenario requires a muscular response. Donald Tusk, former Polish PM and President of the European Council, warned that with every passing day more vigilance is required as the war develops.
Polish air defense systems were fired up a dozen times. They were handsomely successful in intercepting and shooting down drone type structures that trespassed into the country’s airspace. The Polish armed forces operation command confirmed on Twitter that these incursions are related to Russia’s escalation of its military campaign on Ukraine.
Poland’s leaders have reacted with outrage and shock over Russian forces’ recent execution of a “brutally savage” airstrike on Ukrainians living in the Donetsk region. These words are directly from the mouth of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This strike was tragically marked by the deaths of 24 older people who were picking up their pensions when they were shot. The Ukrainian armed forces reported that Russia used a glide bomb to strike an isolated hamlet. The escalation of violence posed by this attack has greatly worsened humanitarian conditions throughout the region.
The rapidly evolving situation has led Poland to take radical and preemptive steps, such as closing its border with Belarus. This decision comes on the heels of “very aggressive” military exercises that were run by Russia and Belarus, called “Zapad.”
Karol Nawrocki, the Polish Undersecretary of State for Cultural Heritage, said that we should be deeply worried with Russia’s goals.
“We do not trust Vladimir Putin’s good intentions,” – Karol Nawrocki
He warned that the current geopolitical climate indicates a disturbing potential for increased aggression.
“We believe that Vladimir Putin is ready to also invade other countries,” – Karol Nawrocki
Cezary Tomczyk, Poland’s defense minister, acknowledged that one such operation is underway. Only those authorized through the proper channels, including by the Polish government, should be allowed to cross into Polish airspace.
“An operation to neutralise objects that have violated and exceeded the border of the Republic of Poland,” – Cezary Tomczyk
Poland suddenly hunkered down and scrambled its own warplanes, as well as NATO’s Tripwire forces. This move came after emergency alerts were issued by Ukraine of possible Russian drone attacks. This proactive figure reflects Poland’s desire to protect its airspace as threats continue to increase.
Here in the United States, Senator Richard Blumenthal commented that the outlook is grim, suggesting that swift action couldn’t be more important.
“The time has come for action. The president’s been mocked and played by Putin,” – Richard Blumenthal
Adding to the tensions, a U.S. official disclosed that former President Donald Trump had raised the prospect of imposing tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on Russian oil customers during discussions with European representatives. These measures are intended to apply economic leverage on Russia, in parallel with sweeping economic sanctions already being taken by the European Union.
Moscow has not issued any immediate comments regarding the reported drone incursions or military exercises in the region.
The European Parliament is coming under increasing fire for its failure to exert effective oversight on military strategy in Ukraine. Without realizing it, they voted through an emergency motion condemning what they termed a failed “militaristic strategy.” This led many to wonder how the EU would respond as wars further inflame the world.
As Poland continues to tread these treacherous geopolitical waters dominated by Russian hostility and regional instability, it is very much on the leading edge of a continental security imperative. Yet, the field has changed dramatically in a short time. To his credit, Poland and its NATO allies responded quickly and firmly to any perceived threats to their sovereignty.