Chairman Wicker and Chairman Rogers Issue Joint Statement on Russia’s Violation of Poland’s Airspace

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, R-AL, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued a joint statement on the violation of Polish airspace by Russia:

"Russia's violations of Polish airspace this week with drones should remind us that one man's imperial ambitions have not only ravaged Ukraine but also threaten to bring war to NATO countries. Putin's provocation is an attempt to test NATO's red lines. In response, we must reinforce our deterrence posture on the alliance's eastern flank," Wicker and Rogers said. "The Polish, Dutch, German, and Italian Armed Forces are to be commended on their swift and professional response in bringing down numerous drones that could have killed innocent Polish civilians. We echo Ambassador Whitaker's statement that the United States will defend every inch of NATO territory. President Trump has made clear that Europe must do more for its own security. Our allies, Poland first among them, have answered his call to commit 5 percent of GDP to defense. Now is the time to work together to strengthen NATO's capabilities, as President Trump indicated just last week when Polish President Nowrocki visited the White House. As for Putin, he understands only power. The road to peace in Europe lies in the strength of NATO and Ukraine."