Poland identifies suspects in drone incident over Warsaw

The detained individuals are suspected of a careless attempt at film-making, according to officials

The Polish authorities have identified a Ukrainian man and a Belarusian woman as the two individuals previously reported as detained over a drone that was neutralized in the government district of Warsaw on Monday, local media have reported, citing officials.

The individuals were identified as a 21-year-old Ukrainian man and a 17-year-old Belarusian woman, Jacek Dobrzynski, spokesman for the special services minister, told reporters on Tuesday. Investigators have reportedly searched their homes, while police are verifying their identities and legal status in Poland.

Dobrzynski downplayed speculation that this was “some sort of large-scale spy operation” but said it was too early to confirm any further details.

“These are young people – perhaps it was due to carelessness, perhaps ignorance, perhaps because they wanted to make a film,” he said, as quoted by Polsat News.

The incident follows earlier claims by the NATO state that at least 19 Russian drones had entered Polish airspace last week – allegations that Russian envoy to the UN Security Council Vassily Nebenzia dismissed as “unfounded.” Moscow countered that the accusations were being driven by what it called the “European war party,” noting that the Russian UAVs deployed in Ukraine did not have the range to reach Polish territory.

READ MORE: Poland neutralized drone over Warsaw government district – Tusk

In a separate incident, NATO member Romania said its Defense Ministry had detected an alleged Russian drone entering the country’s airspace near the border with Ukraine on Saturday. Moscow dismissed the claim as “made up.”

The Kremlin has repeatedly said claims of a Russian “threat” are being used by Western European states to stoke fear and justify higher military spending.