Ambassador Neil Holland condemns Russian airspace violations as
reckless, provocative and dangerous, regardless of intent. Russia
should not underestimate Allied resolve. The UK demands that
Russia provides a full and factual explanation of their
incursion, to show commitment to de-escalation.
"Thank you, Mr Chair. This Forum was mandated by our Ministers to
reduce risk and maintain politico-military dialogue, even in
crisis. The OSCE possesses an extensive acquis and a robust
toolkit to support this mission. But for these mechanisms to be
effective, they require genuine political will, transparency, and
an honest commitment to the foundational principles of the
Helsinki Final Act.
Russia's recent airspace violations are deeply concerning. On
9-10 September, at least 19 Russian drones entered Polish
airspace. This is not an isolated incident. In Romania on 13
September, a drone flew 10km into national territory for nearly
50 minutes. On 7 September, Estonia reported a Russian Mi-8
helicopter violating its airspace over the Baltic Sea. In Latvia,
almost exactly a year ago, a Russian drone crashed near Rezekne,
having entered from Belarus.
In response to the understandable outrage at these airspace
violations Russia has said merely that accusations are
‘groundless' and that no attacks on targets in Poland were
planned. What does this mean? Open-source imagery of these
incursions confirms the UK's own assessment: these were Russian
drones. So what is groundless about objecting to these violations
of numerous core principles? And what should we take from an
assurance that no targeting was planned? If unplanned and
accidental, they suggest Russia is deploying systems it cannot
control. If deliberate, they are obviously provocative and
dangerous. Either way, Russia breached sovereign and NATO
airspace.
Whether intentional or not, Russian incursions into NATO airspace
are deeply concerning, and reckless. If Russia is serious about
this forum it will recognise that this is the place to explain
itself in the interests of stability. Denials and attempts to the
diminish the seriousness of this incident are unacceptable.
Mr Chair, on 10 September, the UK and NATO Allies expressed full
solidarity with Poland. Russia's dangerous actions only serve to
strengthen NATO unity and resolve. Just as we stand with Ukraine
in the face of Russian aggression, we also stand with our Polish
NATO allies. The UK is fully committed to playing its part in Op
EASTERN SENTRY, increasing our military presence with Typhoon
fighter jets to help deter Russian aggression and, where needed,
defend NATO's airspace.
Russia claims to take its commitments to risk reduction
seriously. If this is true, then we invite Russia to provide more
information to dispel concerns. If this recent incursion was
unintentional, what steps is Russia taking to prevent recurrence?
And if it was in fact deliberate, what is Russia's intent?
The UK remains committed to managing risk, but dialogue in
support of this must be grounded in respect for sovereignty,
transparency, and the principles we all agreed to uphold.
Thank you, Mr Chair."
