Kallas: Russia's border strike is a message to Europe

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said on Monday, 14 September, that Russia's recent missile strike close to the Polish-Ukrainian border crossing was a calculated message to the Western world. She urged European leaders not to be intimidated.

Kallas's assessment

Russia wants to intimidate Europe, but Europe must not be afraid, Kallas said. She described the strike as part of Russia's broader campaign to destabilise the European security order and to deter the West from continuing its support for Ukraine. Kallas said the correct response is to intensify support for Ukraine and ensure NATO's eastern flank remains strong.

The incident

The strike in question occurred when a Russian missile impacted very close to a border crossing point between Ukraine and Poland. It was the closest such strike to NATO territory since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and triggered emergency consultations among NATO members.

European response

Several EU member states have since stepped up their air-defence contributions to Ukraine. Poland has raised its military readiness along its eastern borders and issued civil defence guidance to residents of border communities.