Newest Russian missiles can reach London or Madrid within just minutes. That is why it is mistaken to believe that life in Western Europe is considerably safer than on its eastern flank. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, reports The WP Times citing the Alliance’s press service.
“The problem is that for the eastern flank there is a direct threat, for example from drones or something else that could endanger our allies. But I do not like all this thinking about the eastern flank, because it creates the impression that if I live in Madrid or London, I am safer than if I live in Tallinn,” Rutte emphasised.
According to him, this is not true, because these newest Russian missiles fly at a speed five times faster than the speed of sound, and they would only need five or ten minutes longer to reach Madrid or London than Tallinn or Vilnius.
“Therefore, let us agree that in this sense we all live on the eastern flank,” added the NATO Secretary General.
What preceded this
Earlier, Rutte announced that NATO is launching the operation Eastern Guardian to strengthen the defence of Europe’s eastern flank in response to the intrusion of Russian drones into Polish airspace.
It should be recalled that on the night of 10 September about 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, most from the territory of Belarus. At the same time, air defence forces managed to shoot down four drones.
In Poland, debris from 16 Russian drones that had entered its territory during the attack was found. One of the drones fell on the territory of a military base. Fragments of the downed drones were discovered in 11 Polish settlements.
In connection with the Russian attack, NATO invoked Article 4. This will allow member states to discuss the situation with their allies in the North Atlantic Council.
Subsequently, Rutte called the Alliance’s response to the incident in Poland “very successful.” He stressed that the past night demonstrated NATO’s readiness to defend every centimetre of its territory, including its airspace.
Read about the life of Westminster and Pimlico district, London and the world. 24/7 news with fresh and useful updates on culture, business, technology and city life: Tusk confirms 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, only four shot down — NATO calls it a “provocation” but not an attack
