NATO warns Putin: 'We will defend'

NATO discussed Russian drone violations following a request for consultations by Poland under Article 4. The alliance's Secretary General, Rutte, warned Russian President Putin, saying, "Know that we will defend every inch of our territory."

Secretary General Rutte made a statement after the North Atlantic Council meeting, where the tension escalated by Russia's violation of Polish airspace with approximately 19 drones was addressed.

Recalling that Poland requested consultations this morning under Article 4 of the NATO treaty and that they therefore discussed the Russian drone airspace violations at the meeting, Rutte noted that the allies expressed their solidarity with Poland during the session.

"OUR SYSTEMS WERE ACTIVATED"

Describing NATO's operation against the Russian drones as "very successful," Rutte noted that the Netherlands' F-35 jets, Italy's aircraft, and Germany's Patriot air defense systems contributed to the Polish Air Force's downing of the Russian drones.

The fact that a NATO member has shot down Russian drones violating its airspace for the first time is seen as an important turning point.

Moreover, it is of particular significance that Poland countered the Russian drones not alone, but with the support of NATO air defense systems and its allies.

Rutte stated, "Our NATO air defense systems were activated and successfully ensured the defense of NATO territory as they were designed to do."

Emphasizing his words, "We will closely monitor the situation on our eastern flank," Rutte also underlined that NATO air defense systems are ready to counter any danger.

'WE WILL DEFEND' MESSAGE TO PUTIN

In his speech, Mark Rutte said, "Whether intentional or not, airspace violations are reckless and dangerous," and addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin with the following words:

"My message to Putin is clear: End the war in Ukraine. Stop violating the airspace of allies. Know that we are vigilant, we are alert, and we will defend every inch of NATO territory."