Polish foreign minister urges NATO to prepare for possibility of casualties from Russian actions in Europe
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has highlighted the growing scale of Russian hybrid activities targeting European countries and said NATO must be prepared for the possibility of casualties.
Source: Sikorski's interview with the Financial Times, excerpts of which were published by Onet, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Sikorski noted that as the number of incidents increases, so does the likelihood that they will result in the loss of life.
"When will we make a judgment that the Russians have come too far? Because it is a judgment. You know, there is no agreed prior definition," he said.
"If people start dying, then we'll have to have another very serious conversation at NATO," Sikorski added.
Sikorski declined to say how NATO should respond to a Russian hybrid attack that might result in the loss of life. However, he recalled that Poland and Estonia had already invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty following violations of their airspace by Russian drones and military aircraft. Article 4 provides for consultations among allies when the security of a member state is threatened.
Sikorski also called on European allies to reduce Russia's diplomatic presence, noting that Poland no longer had any Russian consulates while other countries still did.
He also backed restrictions on the number of tourist visas issued to Russian citizens.
Background:
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in September that European Union member states may tighten controls on the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen Area, ban visas for former Russian combatants and reduce the number of tourist visas issued to Russians.
- On 12 October, the EU Foreign Affairs Council will also discuss the possibility of introducing further restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats between EU member states, potentially including a complete ban on travel outside the country to which they are accredited.
Your support on Patreon helps us keep the news free and accessible.