Sky News interrupted its programming with a breaking news update on September 11, as former UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps issued a stark warning about the growing risks in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
Shapps told the broadcaster that NATO is “dangerously close” to triggering Article 5 after Russian drones crossed into Polish territory while targeting Ukraine. Under NATO’s collective defense clause, an attack on one member state is considered an attack on all – a move that could escalate the conflict into a global war.
Speaking on the incident, Shapps said it was unclear whether the drone strikes were “a mistake in targeting” or “a deliberate escalation to test NATO’s resolve.” He urged NATO and the G7 to respond firmly, adding that simply holding meetings would not be enough.
Shapps also called for tougher financial measures against Moscow, suggesting the West should seize Russia’s £300 billion in frozen assets rather than only using the interest. “If Russia attacks a NATO country again, we should hand those assets to Ukraine so they can defend their sovereignty,” he argued.
The former defence secretary described Russia as economically weak, noting that its economy had already shrunk to the size of Portugal’s, and stressed that Western nations have the resources to push Moscow out of Ukraine if the political will is there.
However, reactions online were divided. Some viewers on X (formerly Twitter) dismissed Shapps’ remarks as “nonsense,” pointing out Russia’s claim that the drones had accidentally strayed into Poland. Others compared his reaction to Western silence on other international incidents, questioning whether NATO applies the same standards consistently.
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