10.09.2025 16:20
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte issued a warning to Putin following the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. Regarding the incident in which Poland struck Russian aircraft for the first time since the beginning of the Ukraine-Russia war, Rutte stated, "We are ready, we are on alert, and we will defend every inch of NATO territory."
```html
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressed the violation of NATO member Poland's airspace by Russian drones during a press conference held after the NATO North Atlantic Council meeting in Brussels.
Rutte stated that a large number of Russian drones entered Polish airspace, saying, "Our air defense was activated, and the defense of NATO territory was successfully ensured as intended. Many allies participated in this operation alongside Poland. These included Polish F-16s, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS, NATO multi-role tanker transport aircraft, and German Patriot systems."
"NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT"
Rutte expressed that after Poland's application under Article 4 of NATO's founding treaty, the NATO Atlantic Council convened this morning to assess the situation, stating, "Allies expressed their solidarity with Poland and condemned Russia's reckless behavior. A full assessment of the incident is ongoing. What is clear is that last night's violation is not an isolated incident."
"WE WILL CLOSELY MONITOR THE SITUATION ON THE EASTERN FLANK"
Rutte said, "The Supreme Allied Commander will continue to actively manage our posture of deterrence and defense along the eastern flank. Allies are determined to defend every inch of alliance territory. We will closely monitor the situation on the eastern flank. Our air defenses will remain in a constant state of readiness." He added that this situation underscores the importance of NATO and the agreed-upon path at the summit in The Hague, stating, "We need to invest more in our defense, increase our defense production to meet our needs for deterrence and defense, and continue to support Ukraine, which is intertwined with our security."
Rutte noted that Russia is conducting a dangerous war of aggression that continuously targets civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, and that NATO allies are determined to increase their support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's escalating attacks.
"ASSESSMENT IS ONGOING"
In response to a question during the press conference about whether the incident in Poland was a deliberate attack, Rutte said, "As I said, a full assessment is ongoing. However, of course, whether intentional or not, this is certainly a reckless act. It is definitely dangerous. But I reiterate, the assessment is ongoing."
Message to Putin: "Know that we are always ready and vigilant"
WARNING TO PUTIN: KNOW THAT WE ARE VIGILANT
In response to a question about what his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin is, Rutte stated, "My message to Putin is clear. Stop the war in Ukraine. End the escalation of a war that is essentially directed at innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure. Stop violating allied airspace. And know that we are ready, vigilant, and will defend every inch of NATO territory."
"EVERYONE CONTRIBUTED AND I WAS REALLY IMPRESSED"
In response to a question about what this situation revealed regarding NATO's air defense capacity and defense against relatively new threats like drones, Rutte said, "If you ask me, what we witnessed last night was a very successful response from NATO and the allies, but of course, Poland itself, along with the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany. Everyone contributed, and I was really impressed. Of course, we always need to ensure that we are one step ahead. But last night, it was demonstrated that we can defend every inch of NATO territory, including airspace."
```