German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius affirmed his support for Poland’s response following a recent drone incident on Polish territory. Speaking in the Bundestag on Wednesday, Pistorius stated that Germany is cooperating with Poland in consultations triggered by Article 4 of the NATO treaty. He endorsed Poland’s action, deeming it “correct.
Following the downing of several Russian drones, Poland initiated consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, a formal mechanism activated when a member state believes the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of a party is threatened.
Regarding the incident, Pistorius indicated that the drones “obviously” originated from Belarusian territory. He dismissed the possibility of navigational errors, stating that the flight path suggested a deliberate trajectory. “These drones were obviously directed on this course. To fly to Ukraine, you wouldn’t have needed to fly this route.
Pistorius further noted evidence suggested the drones were equipped with munitions, creating a potential for harm. This incident, he explained, highlights a persistent threat through provocations by Russian forces – observed in the Baltic airspace, in the Baltic Sea and now increasingly in Central Europe through hybrid attacks and drone incursions.
