Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had warned shortly before that Moscow would consider the protection of Ukrainian airspace by NATO forces a declaration of war, the DPA agency and Newsweek magazine reported.

NATO launched Operation Eastern Sentry in response to the September 10 incident, when about 20 Russian drones violated Polish airspace, to bolster protection of the Alliance's eastern flank. Warsaw also activated Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which allows member states to consult on a security threat.

Former Minister Wlachovský: I congratulate the Poles for shooting down Russian drones, we must be prepared for provocations

Romania also reported the intrusion of an apparently Russian drone into its airspace on Saturday. It summoned Russian Ambassador Vladimir Lipaev, who described the incident as"another provocation" by Ukraine.

Medvedev warns

The latest events have sparked a debate in Europe about extending NATO protection to western Ukraine and shooting down incoming Russian drones or missiles in the area. Medvedev, who currently serves as deputy chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, has strongly opposed such proposals.

"The implementation of the provocative idea of Kiev and other idiots to create a no-fly zone over 'Ukraine' and allow NATO countries to shoot down our drones will mean only one thing: a NATO war with Russia," the Russian politician wrote on the Telegram network.

Ukraine has been calling on NATO to impose a no-fly zone over its territory since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. However, Kiev's Western allies have been reluctant to take such a step, fearing a direct military confrontation with Russia.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in an interview with the German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on Monday that a no-fly zone over Ukraine was discussed a year ago, when Joe Biden was US President.

According to Sikorsky, NATO should consider such an option because by shooting down enemy targets outside its territory, it could better protect its own population and prevent debris from falling from destroyed drones.

Peskov expressed his belief at a press briefing on Monday that NATO is at war with Russia."This is obvious and does not need any further confirmation. NATO is de facto involved in this war," the Russian presidential spokesman said in response to Sikorski's previous statement that despite the penetration of Russian drones into Polish airspace, NATO is not at war with Russia.

As Newsweek magazine explains, Ukraine has received significant assistance from NATO allies, including the United States and EU countries, to defend itself against the ongoing Russian invasion. However, the alliance is not directly involved in the war and does not have any forces deployed there. Ukraine is also not a member of NATO.