The UK has summoned Russian ambassador Andrei Kelin following what officials described as an "unprecedented violation" of NATO airspace. The diplomatic action comes after Russian drones breached Polish and Romanian territories last week.
The Foreign Office condemned the airspace incursions as "utterly unacceptable". Officials said the violations represented a significant escalation in Russia's reckless behaviour across the region.
Official condemnation
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "Significant and unprecedented violation of Polish and Nato airspace by Russian drones last week, followed by a further incursion into Romanian airspace on Saturday, was utterly unacceptable." The statement emphasised Britain's solidarity with affected NATO allies.
The spokesperson added: "The UK stands united with Poland, Romania, Ukraine and our Nato allies in unreservedly condemning these reckless actions." Officials warned that Russia's continued aggression only strengthens NATO unity and determination to support Ukraine.
Warning to Moscow
The Foreign Office delivered a stark warning about future violations. "Russia should understand that its continued aggression only strengthens the unity between Nato allies and our determination to stand with Ukraine, and any further incursions will again be met with force," the spokesperson said.
Officials linked the airspace violations to the broader conflict in Ukraine. They stressed that defending Ukraine against Putin's aggression remains "crucial to the security of the whole of Europe, including the UK" and demanded Russia "must end its illegal war on Ukraine."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
