What NATO Article 4 means, and why Poland calls a NATO emergency meeting?

Two Poles were killed when a Russian missile landed on Poland’s territory. It happened during a massive Russian missile attack on Ukraine. Following this incident, NATO will meet on November 16 for emergency talks.

Poland called an emergency meeting of NATO members

The NATO meeting was initiated by Poland. Warsaw activated Article 4 of NATO. The country has been a member of NATO since 1999.

A diplomat has previously assured journalists that NATO will proceed “cautiously.” 

Poland, meanwhile, has activated its military readiness.

What does Article 4 of the NATO address?

If one of the country members announces a threat to the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of any of the parties, Article 4 of NATO demands that all the members of the Alliance convene.

Poland has already received support from the Baltic States. Estonia specifically emphasized that it is prepared to “defend every square inch of NATO territory.”

On the other hand, Article 5 of NATO states that any armed attack on one of the Alliance’s members should be deemed an attack on all.

Article 4 of NATO was used only 7 times

In the history of NATO, Article 4 has been used 7 times. Poland and the Baltic states in particular did it on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale war against Ukraine.

Additionally, Poland implemented the rule in 2014. Then Russia invaded Crimea and a part of Donbas, sparking a war with Ukraine.

Turkey has six times applied for Article 4 of NATO.

After the tragedy in Przewodow, the Russian ambassador is urgently summoned to the Polish Foreign Ministry. Zbigniew Rau, the head of the department, demands from the Russian ambassador, immediate detailed explanations.