An attack of such a scale was an extremely daring action by Russia and such actions should remind us how important security is on the eastern flank. This was said by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev in the program “Offensive” on NOVA NEWS. According to him, Russia's actions can be interpreted as a strong demonstration of hostile attitude towards Poland.
“This was the most daring such action by Russia - 19 aircraft entering so deep into the airspace of a NATO member state can be considered a clear provocation&rdquo, Georgiev also said. Georgiev described the reaction of the Alliance, as well as the European Union, as correct.
“There is no likelihood, especially for the Polish authorities, without having gathered the necessary information, to resort to activating Article 4”, the minister also said. He also stressed the importance of the presence of NATO forces in the Black Sea region.
“The eastern flank also includes the Black Sea, and we also have a NATO presence in the Black Sea, because the region is on the verge of war. That is why we are trying to draw attention to the importance of security in the region – and after the recent events we see that the air domain is also extremely vulnerable”, Minister Georgiev also said. Georgiev described unified work, joint practices and the presence of specialized infrastructure in the region as necessary measures for the Alliance to deal with such a situation.
Minister Georgiev was categorical – there is no need and prerequisites for activating Article 5 - a response to the strike with military force.
„There is no reason to impose a narrative that the activation of Article 4 will also lead to the activation of Article 5. The meetings were held in due order, there were consultations, this unnecessary provocation was condemned, and measures in various directions were discussed”, the minister said. He also pointed out that in such conflict situations, timely monitoring and appropriate reactions are necessary.
Georg Georgiev said that there is no possibility for our country to carry out actions that are contrary to our national interest within the framework of such a conflict. Our country does not plan to send military personnel within the framework of the conflict in Ukraine.
„The most important condition at the moment is to achieve lasting peace. We participate in a joint demining group, together with Turkey and Romania, we have active protection of the air domain. We have a full range of such commitments within the coalition of the willing,” Georgiev said. He also pointed out that there is no risk to the integrity of European values against the backdrop of military conflicts.
“The Union should reflect the risks, especially when we have such a risky neighbor. Unfortunately, we see instability throughout the world – social and economic. Mechanisms and programs for investments in our common defense capabilities are being developed, and each member state is given the opportunity to invest in its own defense. I think Bulgaria is taking advantage of these opportunities,” Minister Georgiev said. In his words, the balance between the sovereign rights and interests of the member states and the interests of the alliance is of utmost importance for the integrity of the union.