UK summons Russian ambassador over 'utterly unacceptable' violations into NATO airspace

The UK has summoned the Russian ambassador in London over the country's "utterly unacceptable" incursions into NATO airspace.

Romania said a drone breached its airspace during a Russian attack on neighbouring Ukraine at the weekend, days after Poland shot down Russian drones in its airspace. The UK said the incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace were "reckless" and warned Russia that any further incidents "will again be met with force".

Russian ambassador Andrei Kelin has been summoned by the Foreign Office. A spokesperson for the department said: "Significant and unprecedented violation of Polish and NATO airspace by Russian drones last week, followed by a further incursion into Romanian airspace on Saturday, was utterly unacceptable.

"The UK stands united with Poland, Romania, Ukraine and our NATO allies in unreservedly condemning these reckless actions. "As our continent once again faces the egregious expansion of Russia's reckless behaviour, defence of Ukraine against Putin's aggression is crucial to the security of the whole of Europe, including the UK.

"Russia should understand that its continued aggression only strengthens the unity between NATO allies and our determination to stand with Ukraine, and any further incursions will again be met with force. "Russia must end its illegal war on Ukraine." Read more:UK joins operation to bolster Europe's eastern flankHow Vladimir Putin is testing the West On Saturday, Poland deployed aircraft in what it called a "preventative" move to protect its airspace due to a further risk of drone strikes in Ukraine.

"These actions are preventative in nature and aimed at securing airspace and protecting citizens, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened area," it said. Russia and Belarus have also been holding joint military exercises over the Barents Sea, situated off the northern coasts of Norway and Russia, since last week..