The Polish Foreign Ministry argues that the risk of casualties among Poles is greater the closer the missile is to its target during interception, so it is better to shoot it down at a higher altitude over Ukraine.

Poland and other countries bordering Ukraine are obliged to shoot down Russian missiles before they enter their airspace to ensure the safety of their citizens. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated this in his interview with the Financial Times on September 2, 2024.

“Personally, I think that when enemy missiles are heading towards our airspace, it would be legitimate self-defense, because once they cross our airspace, the risk of debris hitting someone is significant,” explained the Minister.

“NATO membership does not override the responsibility of each country to protect its own airspace—it is our own constitutional duty,” Sikorski added.

In response, a NATO spokesperson told Europa Press that NATO acknowledges its member states’ right to defend their airspace from attacks. However, the spokesperson warned of potential consequences for the alliance if member countries, such as Poland, start shooting down Russian missiles at the border with Ukraine. “NATO has a responsibility to prevent further escalation of Russia’s war. NATO is not a party to the conflict and will not become part of the conflict.”.

In this sense, each NATO ally has the right to defend its own airspace. But the actions of each member in support of Ukraine can also affect NATO as a whole.

“Therefore, it is necessary that the allies continue to consult closely,” he assured.

History of the problem

On July 8, 2024, Ukraine signed a security agreement with Poland. The document enabled the interception of missiles and drones in the Ukraine’s airspace fired in the direction of Poland.

According to the document, “the participants agree on the need to continue bilateral dialogue and dialogues with other partners aimed at studying the rationale and feasibility of possible interception of missiles and drones fired in the airspace of Ukraine towards the territory of Poland, following the necessary procedures agreed by the states and organizations involved.”

Poles believe that Warsaw should initiate talks with NATO and Ukraine on expanding air defense to the Ukrainian border. According to the poll, 69.3% of Poles are in favor of starting the relevant negotiations, 17.6% are against, and 13.1% are undecided.

The Polish Ministry of National Defence called the inclusion of part of Ukraine in NATO’s air defense system “a very complex issue.”

This year, Russian missiles and drones have repeatedly violated Polish airspace. The most recent incident occurred on August 26, 2024. Then an unknown object flew into Poland and allegedly crashed near the town of Tyszowce, about 25 kilometers from the Polish border with Ukraine.