The drone strikes over Poland were a major strategic mistake for Putin, because NATO showed unity and ability to react. This was said by former Defense Minister Velizar Shalamanov in the program “Offensive” on NOVA NEWS. Shalamanov commented on the Russian drones shot down by Poland in the country's airspace.
“With the information currently available, we can talk about at least three possible scenarios, but there is a high probability of a targeted attack with the thought that NATO will not react”, Shalamanov also said. He was categorical – activation of Article 5 – for a military response to these actions – is not likely at the moment.
„Until now, the threat to the south was considered more as a threat from a refugee wave –at least Ukraine was not expected at all as a place of potential conflict. These actions that we are now seeing – – – are based on plans for the defense of the eastern flank. With each subsequent provocation by Russia, there will be one step forward towards the activation of Article 5”, explained the former defense minister. Shalamanov singled out the self-isolation of our country and remaining in defense mode with outdated and Soviet equipment as a mistake.
„Unfortunately, we currently do not have the ability to repel such actions. It is appropriate that the defense center that was announced – "This way, we will not only accelerate our military defense, but we will also be able to enter this segment of the market, which would be very successful for Bulgaria," Shalamanov added. According to him, the newly announced military exercises in the region could make the Suwalki corridor a potential target for attacks, although at the moment the region is under the control and protection of NATO, although such a scenario is unlikely.
„It is unlikely that Russia would undertake such a strike under these circumstances. This region is sovereign between Poland and Lithuania - NATO member states. Actions to control this corridor require a concentration of military force, and such actions would require the activation of Article 5,” Shalamanov added.