Poland (drones) that entered its airspace during an extensive Russian attack on Western Ukraine, which is being done for the first time since February 2022 that Russia invaded.
A total of about 415 drones and more than 40 missiles were used in the attack in Ukraine, which was extended to 15 Ukrainian regions, claimed the lives of a man in the Zimitomir region and injured 3 others in the Kmelnitsky District, Ukrainian President Volodimir said.
The above development brings rapid developments with Poland. Article 4 of its treaty provides for a mechanism of consultations between the allies.
In particular, he states that every ally can request consultations whenever he considers that his territorial integrity, his political independence or safety are threatened.
What does Article 4 mention?
“The parties will be consulted jointly, whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or safety of any of the conditions are threatened,” Article 4 specifically states.
Does not activate military action, nor the mutual defense (This is Article 5), but is the step before possible more binding actions. It usually leads to discussions at the North Atlantic Council (NAC), where consensus decisions are made.
When has it been activated?
Article 4 has been activated several times.
- 2003 – War in Iraq
Turkey has called for consultations, fearing its impact on warfare from war.
NATO eventually provided reinforcement measures, such as air defense (Patriot rockets).
- 2012 – Civil War in Syria
Turkey called Article 4 after attacks on its territory by Syria.
NATO has agreed to develop Patriot missiles at the Turkish -Syria border for protection.
- 2014 – Crisis in Ukraine (Crimea)
Poland called for consultations due to the Russian annexation of Crimea and the instability in the region.
- 2020 – Syria / Indlib
Turkey re -cited Article 4 after the deaths of dozens of Turkish soldiers in attacks in Syria.
- 2022 – Russian invasion of Ukraine
Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Slovakia have requested consultations.
NATO reinforced the military presence on its eastern border.
