Stoltenberg hints at not supporting possibility of Poland downing Russian missiles over Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has hinted that he does not support Poland shooting down Russian missiles over Ukraine.

Stoltenberg was asked during the national joint 24/7 newscast to comment on the notion that Poland should shoot down Russian missiles in Ukrainian airspace before they reach Polish territory.

"NATO's policy is unchanged – we will not be involved in this conflict. We will not become part of the conflict," Stoltenberg said.

He said the Alliance supports Ukraine in destroying Russian aircraft but will not be directly involved.

At the same time, the NATO Secretary General assured that NATO will support Ukraine, pointing out that the Alliance is now increasing its support, in particular through various air defence systems.

"Of course, F-16s [fighter jets] are also important in this context. We will provide more ground-based air defence systems and ammunition for those that are already available. This will include Patriot and NASAMS," Stoltenberg said.

On 13 July, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Warsaw is considering Kyiv's proposal that Polish forces intercept Russian missiles heading towards Polish territory while they are still in Ukrainian airspace.

This proposal was included in a joint defence agreement between the two countries, signed during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Warsaw earlier last week. 

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Poland would engage NATO allies in discussions on the possible downing of Russian missiles and drones over the territory of Ukraine.