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Poland, Italy determined to do more to support Ukraine: defence minister

15.09.2026 16:30
Poland and Italy are determined to do more to support Ukraine, Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Tuesday after talks in Warsaw with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto.
Polands Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (right) speaks at a news conference in Warsaw alongside his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto (left) on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.
Poland's Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (right) speaks at a news conference in Warsaw alongside his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto (left) on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

Kosiniak-Kamysz, who is also a deputy prime minister, stressed the need for greater support for Ukraine, saying Russia had spent the past four years developing new military capabilities, including jet-powered drones.

He questioned whether Europe had made full use of opportunities to modernise its defence industry and accelerate arms production and deliveries.

Meanwhile, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre reported on Tuesday that NATO fighter jets had shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace.

Kosiniak-Kamysz said the jets were Italian and were operating as part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.

He told reporters that the incident was "an expression of practical allied solidarity" and demonstrated the protection allies provide to NATO's eastern flank, including Poland.

No casualties or damage were reported.

According to Lithuania's BNS news agency, it was the first time a drone had been shot down over Lithuanian territory since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Similar incidents have previously occurred in Latvia and Estonia, the two other Baltic states.

(sp/gs)

Source: IAR/PAP