UK summons Russian ambassador over NATO airspace violations

A pedestrian walks past the Russian Embassy following the death of Alexei Navalny, in London
FILE PHOTO: A pedestrian walks past the Russian Embassy in London, Britain, February 16, 2024. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo
Source: X07937

Britain has summoned the Russian ambassador following Russia's violation of NATO airspace last week, the British Foreign Office said on Monday.

Poland shot down Russian drones last Wednesday in the first known action of its kind by a member of the Western military alliance during Russia's war in Ukraine. Days later, Romania scrambled jets when a Russian drone breached its airspace.

The incursions into NATO airspace were "utterly unacceptable", a Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement, adding that the UK stands united with its NATO allies in condemning the "reckless actions".

"Russia should understand that its continued aggression only strengthens the unity between NATO allies and our determination to stand with Ukraine, and any further incursions will again be met with force," the spokesperson added.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Morales alleges energy and mining deals with Washington are putting Bolivia's sovereignty at risk. Photo Credit: Viory

Bolivia Roundup: Political trust erodes, fuel crisis deepens, and regions secure a landmark 50/50 agreement

Russia's embassy in London said on Tuesday that Ambassador Andrei Kelin had received a "formal protest".

"The British side was reminded that there had been no plans to target any facilities on Polish territory during the recent air strikes against the installations of Ukraine's military-industrial complex," the embassy said in a statement on its Telegram channel.

"We reiterate that Russia has no interest in heightening tensions with Poland or NATO."

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.