Poland stands firm with Romania after drone incidents

Poland has firmly backed Romania after recent illegal drone incursions into Romanian airspace, with Polish interim Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski conveying a message of solidarity. Romanian interim Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu announced the support, stating that Poland strongly condemns the recent violations.

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My Polish counterpart, Radek Sikorski, conveyed Poland's firm condemnation of the recent illegal incursions into Romania's airspace.

The discussions between Țoiu and Sikorski focused on the regional security situation, diplomatic reactions to Russia's actions, and enhancing cooperation among NATO's Eastern flank allies. Țoiu highlighted the performance of Romanian pilots and the recovery of Russian drone fragments from Romanian territory. They also addressed coordinated diplomatic responses to the Russian Federation, strengthening European sanctions, close coordination within NATO, and intensifying collaboration among Eastern flank states as a shared diplomatic and military priority.

Țoiu also noted that EU member states recently agreed on closer maritime security coordination between the Baltic and Black Sea countries, a context in which Poland plays a significant role. She emphasized the historical relationship between Romania and Poland, which spans over a century of mutual support, beginning with their interwar defensive alliance in 1921. This shared history, she stated, provides a clear vision for the future.

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Romania and Poland have a tradition of over a century of mutual support, inaugurated by the interwar defensive alliance in 1921. Understanding and embracing our common history gives us a clear vision for the future.

Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Bucharest rejected Romania's accusations of airspace violations by Russian drones. The embassy criticized Romania's decision to expel a diplomatic mission member, warning of consequences. This reaction followed the summoning of the Russian ambassador to Bucharest, Vladimir Lipaev, after three drones that had entered Romanian airspace without authorization were shot down by the Romanian Army between July 24-26. Romania's Foreign Ministry stated that the Russian ambassador was handed a verbal note declaring a Russian mission member persona non grata, with five days to leave the country.

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The unmotivated expulsion of an employee of the Russian Federation Embassy will not remain unanswered.