German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has affirmed support for the actions taken by the Polish government following a recent drone incident. Speaking during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Pistorius stated that Germany is cooperating with Poland concerning consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty. He described the cooperative approach as “correct” and emphasized the need to send a clear signal.
Poland initiated consultations invoking Article 4 of the NATO treaty after the downing of several Russian drones within its airspace. This article stipulates a formal consultation process when a member state believes its territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened.
Addressing the specifics of the incident, Pistorius indicated that the drones “clearly originated from Belarusian territory”. He dismissed any suggestion of navigational errors, asserting that the drones were demonstrably steered on a deliberate course. “These drones were clearly put on this course. You wouldn’t have had to fly this route to get to Ukraine” he explained.
Pistorius further noted that the drones appeared to be equipped with munitions, highlighting the potential for serious incidents. He underscored the ongoing threat posed by Russian military provocations, spanning the Baltic airspace, the Baltic Sea and now extending to Central Europe through hybrid attacks and drone incursions.