US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace as an 'unacceptable and dangerous development', while stopping short of confirming whether the drones were deliberately sent into Polish territory.
Speaking to reporters before departing for Israel and Britain, Rubio said the drones were 'intentionally launched' but that it remained unclear if they were specifically targeted at Poland. He warned that if evidence points to a deliberate attack, it would be 'a highly escalatory move'.
Poland shot down the drones this week, marking the first known shots fired by a Nato member during Russia's war in Ukraine. In response, Nato announced plans to bolster defence of Europe's eastern flank.
Polish officials have rejected suggestions from US President Donald Trump that the incursions could have been a mistake, with the foreign minister expressing hope that Washington would show solidarity with Warsaw. At the United Nations, the US called the violations 'alarming' and vowed to 'defend every inch of Nato territory'.
Russia has stated its forces were attacking Ukraine at the time and did not intend to hit targets in Poland.
