Radosław Sikorski warned of a possible Russian provocation against NATO
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine.
Sikorsky did not rule out the possibility of a provocation
During the interview, a journalist asked Sikorsky how real the risk was that Russia might attempt to test Article 5 of the NATO Treaty in the coming years by attacking one of the Alliance’s member states.
The minister replied that, whilst Ukraine is holding back Russian aggression, Moscow does not have sufficient forces to mount a successful attack on NATO member states.
At the same time, he suggested that Russia might resort to an ‘operation under a false flag’ on its own territory in order to use it as a pretext for an attack.
“We must make it clear to Putin that we are aware of such possible scenarios, that we cannot be deceived, and that every centimetre of NATO territory will be defended,” Sikorsky emphasised.
He identified a possible direction of the threat
Responding to a question about where exactly such a provocation might take place, the Polish Foreign Minister mentioned the Suwałki Corridor, which is often cited as one of the Alliance’s most vulnerable areas.
He also noted that Poland is actively strengthening its defence capabilities. According to him, the country spends 4.8 per cent of its GDP on defence, has F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, Abrams tanks and HIMARS rocket systems in service, and a combat-ready army.
“If Putin wants war, Ukraine alone will not be enough for him; we will do what we have always done,” Sikorski said.
At the same time, the minister noted that the Baltic states – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – remain the most vulnerable to potential Russian threats.
Poland is strengthening its defences
Sikorski also commented on the implementation of the ‘Eastern Shield’ defence project. According to him, Poland is closely monitoring the movements of Russian troops and is ready to respond swiftly to any threats. He recalled that, prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a build-up of troops near the borders had been observed several months before the start of hostilities; however, at the time, many did not believe that the Kremlin would dare to launch an attack.
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