Podolyak revealed why the Russian Federation uses the skies of Romania and other neighbors for strikes on Ukraine
The Office of President Volodymyr Zelensky has provided an explanation for Russia’s use of neighboring countries’ airspace to carry out strikes on Ukraine. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the president’s office, took to Twitter to shed light on this matter. He highlighted that NATO would not invoke Article 5 and initiate a war with Russia over a missile falling on a field in Romania. The reason Russia feels entitled to use the airspace of Romania and other neighboring nations for attacks on Ukraine is because there is no response or condemnation.
Podolyak believes that countries must take a stronger stance on the violation of their airspace. For instance, they should declare their readiness to shoot down missiles and drones in order to protect their borders. According to the adviser, it is essential to assist Ukraine by providing additional air defense systems and deploying them in border areas as soon as possible. This action will enhance the security of countries bordering Ukraine and limit Russia’s ability to engage in speculative and provocative activities.
The summer witnessed a surge in Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure, including near the Romanian border. On September 4, during a drone attack on Odesa ports, one of the UAVs fell on Romanian territory. Initially, Romanian authorities denied the incident, but later confirmed the discovery of the wreckage of a Russian drone near Tulcea county. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis denounced this as an unacceptable situation and a serious violation of the country’s sovereignty. He assured the public that Romania is well protected by NATO.
Furthermore, discussions took place between the mayor of Chaatalkoi commune in Romania and the country’s defense minister regarding the evacuation of residents from the village of Plauru. This discussion arose after the discovery of the Russian drone wreckage near the Ukrainian port of Izmail, just 300 meters from the village. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, such as the discovery of missile fragments near the Larga checkpoint on the Moldova-Ukraine border, as well as the finding of an object resembling an air-to-surface missile near Bydgoszcz in Poland.
In conclusion, countries must take a firm stance against airspace violations and actively protect their borders. Assisting Ukraine with additional air defense systems and deploying them in border areas will bolster security and restrict Russia’s capacity for provocative actions. The fall of Russian missiles and drones on neighboring territories highlights the urgency and importance of addressing this issue promptly.
