Security expert Nico Lange has characterized the recent incident involving Russian drones entering Polish airspace as a deliberate provocation by Vladimir Putin. In an interview with “Der Spiegel”, Lange stated that Putin’s objective appears to be assessing the responsiveness of air defense systems, identifying potential vulnerabilities and influencing the political discourse through disinformation. He described the situation as an ongoing, large-scale test initiated around Wednesday.
Lange sharply criticized the Western political response, arguing that the persistent discussions regarding potential accidental nature of Russian actions – despite eleven years of Russian aggression against Ukraine – are being exploited by Putin. He stated, “Unfortunately, we are still failing this test.
Despite the functionality of NATO’s air defenses, the incident revealed substantial weaknesses, particularly in drone defense capabilities. Lange, formerly an advisor to German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and currently working for the Munich Security Conference, highlighted the alarming fact that drones were able to traverse Polish territory for 300 kilometers before being brought down. He emphasized that this is not solely a Polish problem, but a concern for all of Europe.
Lange called for a decisive and consistent response, advocating for measures to prevent Russia from conducting such attacks. This includes targeting Russian airfields, drone factories and logistics hubs, in addition to strategically reinforcing Ukraine’s air defenses.
Furthermore, Lange expressed criticism regarding the hesitancy within Germany’s governing coalition. He suggested a notable continuity in Russia and Ukraine policy compared to previous administrations, a dynamic he views negatively. Lange cautioned against resistance to change stemming from factions within the Social Democratic Party who he believes maintain an outdated view of Russia and rely on wishful thinking no longer aligned with reality.
