The usual response from the Russian ambassador when summoned to the Foreign Ministry is to reject Poland’s position outright. This is the pattern observed after Thursday morning’s first Polish radio program.
On Wednesday, Sergey Andreyev, the Russian ambassador, was summoned to the foreign ministry and presented with a protest note over the incident in which a Russian fighter jet challenged a border guard aircraft over the Black Sea.
WATCH THE DETAILS: The Russian ambassador is summoned to the Foreign Ministry. In the background, the Black Sea incident unfolds. The message is clear: Poland condemns provocative actions strongly and urges Russia to halt them.
How did Andreyev respond?
Jabłoński emphasized on Thursday that a firm protest from Poland was delivered at the meeting and a call for Russia to end such provocative behavior.
These kinds of incidents should not happen. If they persist, they will be met with a strong response, according to Jabłoński.
When asked about Andreyev’s reaction, he noted that during similar summonses to the State Department the Russian envoy typically offers an absolute rejection of Poland’s position.
It is clear that he represents the Kremlin, he added.
Usually in these situations the Russian ambassador adopts a defensive stance, challenging what is said while also acknowledging the statements in line with international norms like the Vienna Convention. However, a genuine dialogue is not evident, Jabłoński pointed out.
Persona non grata
Regarding the possibility of declaring Andreyev persona non grata, Jabłoński said no such decision had been made. He added that because Andreyev serves as Russia’s ambassador to Poland, certain measures can be considered, such as issuing subpoenas when necessary.
Poland also maintains a Polish ambassador in Moscow, which provides channels for actions to safeguard Polish citizens living or staying in Russia, he observed.
Incident involving the Polish Border Guard aircraft
Friday brought an incident over the Black Sea involving an SG aircraft taking part in a Frontex mission. The Polish Turbolet L-410 was approached three times by a Russian fighter performing aggressive and dangerous maneuvers. During the encounter, the Polish crew temporarily lost control of the aircraft and descended in altitude.
NATO headquarters stated on Monday that NATO air police forces were placed on high alert in response to the dangerous behavior of the Russian military aircraft near a Polish Frontex aircraft over the Black Sea near Romania.
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— A Russian fighter dangerously approached the border guard plane. Flight path crossed at a dangerous distance, officials noted.
olk/PAP