Stoltenberg on Poland potentially shooting down missiles over Ukraine: NATO will not be involved in the conflict

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has made it clear that he is opposed to Poland using its air defence systems to shoot down Russian missiles over the territory of Ukraine.

Source: Stoltenberg in an interview broadcast on the national joint 24/7 newscast on Sunday

Details: The NATO Secretary General was asked to comment on the idea of Poland shooting down missiles heading in its direction while they are still in Ukrainian airspace.

Quote: "NATO will support Ukraine, and we have now increased our support...

But NATO's policy is unchanged – we will not be involved in this conflict. We will not become part of the conflict. So we support Ukraine in the destruction of Russian aircraft, but NATO will not be directly involved."

Details: Stoltenberg confirmed his position that "Ukraine has the right to attack legitimate military targets on the territory of Russia, the aggressor country".

He noted that "different countries have imposed different restrictions on the use of the weapons they provide to Ukraine". At the same time, the NATO Secretary General welcomed the permission granted by the US to use American missiles to strike Russian territory near the border with Ukraine in Kharkiv Oblast.

Asked to comment on the idea of a government-controlled but later temporarily Russian-occupied part of Ukraine joining NATO, Stoltenberg said: "We have seen various models, and I will be cautious about making any statements about which solution may be applicable to Ukraine."

Background:

• After signing a security agreement with Ukraine on 8 July, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Poland would open up a discussion with NATO allies about the possible downing of Russian missiles and drones over the territory of Ukraine. Tusk stated that Poland is open to such an initiative but, he said, it would require NATO's involvement and approval.
• On 10 July, Polish National Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland would not shoot down Russian missiles heading through Ukraine in its direction unless a decision is made at NATO level.
• On 13 July, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Warsaw is considering a proposal by Kyiv that Russian missiles heading towards Polish territory be intercepted while they are still in Ukrainian airspace.

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