The downing of several Russian drones that entered NATO airspace over eastern Poland has prompted reactions from German political figures. Experts from the CDU and CSU, in an interview with “Bild” characterized the incident as “escalation” even using the term “attack.
CSU foreign policy expert Stephan Mayer stated to the newspaper that the attack on Poland is “highly alarming”. He asserted that it demonstrates Putin’s lack of interest in peace, particularly regarding Ukraine and suggests Russia poses an acute threat to NATO. Mayer emphasized that the drone attack confirms Putin’s aims extend beyond Ukraine and called for NATO to take this new escalation and air attack on Poland very seriously.
CDU foreign policy official Peter Beyer echoed this sentiment, stating that Putin is escalating the conflict. He noted that airspace violations had become almost routine, but now represent a direct test of NATO, transitioning from provocations to aggression. Beyer urged those who believe the war in Ukraine is distant to reconsider, while simultaneously calling for calm and caution against panic. He highlighted the need to activate established coordination and response mechanisms, expressing personal expectations of closer alignment between the EU and NATO, as he believes Putin understands only the language of strength and unity.
However, defense expert Carlo Masala from the Bundeswehr University Munich offered a slightly less alarmed perspective. He acknowledged that drones have occasionally flown over Polish airspace for some time, but conceded this scale and depth of incursion was unprecedented. He suggested Russia has been testing Poland for a considerable period, expressing surprise at Poland’s recent response.
