NATO says ready to intercept Russian drones - Czech president

Czech President Peter Pavel has said that NATO is ready to move to tougher measures in response to repeated violations of European airspace by Russian aircraft, including shooting down planes and drones. He said this in an interview with The Sunday Times.

According to Pavel, Russia is purposefully testing NATO's readiness to defend allies and looking for weaknesses in the European air defence system.

If such violations continue, the moment will come when we will be forced to use stronger measures, including the possible shooting down of a Russian aircraft or drone," he stressed.

The Czech president noted that Moscow would never allow itself to repeat violations of its own airspace, and NATO should act according to the same principles. The former head of the Alliance's military committee added that the current "restraint" of the West plays into the hands of the Kremlin, demonstrating its impunity.

Paul also emphasised that the willingness to defend the principles and sovereignty of allies is key to the security of all of Europe.

Earlier, the leaders of NATO's eastern flank called on allies to clarify the rules of engagement and give the military more authority to respond swiftly to airspace violations.