NextFin news, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced on Friday in Kyiv that Poland will not sever diplomatic relations with Russia, despite recent tensions caused by Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace. Sikorski made the statement during a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
The announcement came days after Russian drones entered Polish airspace on Wednesday during a large-scale attack on Ukraine. Poland shot down several drones, marking the first time a NATO member engaged Russian military assets over its own territory since the full-scale war began. Sikorski described the drone incursion as a "moment of truth," noting the drones flew for seven hours from Belarus.
Sikorski rejected claims that the drones were Ukrainian, calling such assertions Russian propaganda. He also highlighted that Poland has already limited Russian diplomatic activities domestically and urged European partners to reduce Russian diplomatic missions in their countries.
In addition, Sikorski pledged to expand military cooperation with Ukraine, announcing Poland's readiness to provide 40 million euros (approximately $47 million) in support amid intensified Russian attacks. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha expressed Ukraine's willingness to assist Poland in countering Russian threats, emphasizing the need for a joint system to counter drones.
Poland's response to the drone incursions included activating NATO's Article 4, which allows member states to request consultations when their security is threatened. Moscow denied responsibility for the drone attacks, with Russia's Defense Ministry stating it had no plans to target Poland and Russia's charge d'affaires in Warsaw dismissing claims that the drones were Russian-made.
However, Polish officials and NATO assessments concluded the drones were Russian and deliberately targeted Polish territory. German media reported that the drones were headed for Rzeszow Airport, a key logistics hub for Western aid to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a new EU sanctions package in response.
Sikorski summarized Poland's diplomatic stance by saying, "In diplomacy, channels of communication are maintained not only with friends but also with rivals," underscoring Poland's decision to keep diplomatic ties with Russia open despite the ongoing conflict and security challenges.
These developments were reported by The Kyiv Independent, EADaily, and News.az, citing statements made on Friday, September 12, 2025, in Kyiv, Ukraine.
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