Will Poland invoke Article 5? Alleged Russian missile attack sparks fears ahead of NATO meet
WARSAW, POLAND: Russia's alleged missile attack has set off fears over Polish response ahead of a scheduled NATO meet. Many have raised questions over whether Article 5 could be invoked, but there is no confirmation yet. Article 5 says any attack on a NATO member in Europe or North America “shall be considered an attack against them all.” NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time after the 9/11 attack against the United States.
Once the principle of collective self-defense under the treaty is invoked, NATO can come to its defense with “such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.” However, this does not mean any attack on a NATO member automatically triggers a state of war.
