Brussels (TDI): NATO announced on Friday that it would step up security along its eastern borders after Polish forces shot down drones that had entered their airspace, an unprecedented move by a NATO member since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
At the United Nations, US officials described the incident as “alarming,” pledging to defend every inch of NATO territory. The statement seemed designed to reassure allies after President Donald Trump suggested the Russian drone flights might have been accidental.
Warsaw firmly rejected that interpretation, calling the incursions a deliberate attempt by Moscow to probe NATO’s defenses. Poland’s foreign minister told Reuters that his country expects Washington to demonstrate its solidarity through concrete action.
Later in the day, the United States joined other Western nations in issuing a joint statement accusing Russia of breaching international law and the UN Charter. Moscow denied any deliberate violation, insisting its strikes were aimed at Ukraine and claiming the drones used had a maximum range of 700 kilometers, too short, it argued, to reach Polish airspace.
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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned the incidents as “reckless and unacceptable.” Speaking at a press conference to announce Operation Eastern Sentry, he said: “Russian drones cannot be allowed to enter allied airspace.”
According to NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, US General Alexus Grynkewich, the new mission will deploy flexible assets across the alliance’s entire eastern frontier, from the Baltic to the Black Sea. He stressed that both Poles and other NATO citizens should be reassured by the alliance’s quick reaction earlier in the week and the expanded measures now underway.
While NATO already maintains thousands of troops in Eastern Europe, additional assets are being deployed. Denmark has committed two F-16 fighter jets and a frigate, France is sending three Rafale jets, Germany four Eurofighters, and Spain additional air units. Britain is expected to announce its contribution soon.
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Trump, meanwhile, told Fox News that his patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin was “running out fast,” though he stopped short of threatening new sanctions. In the past, Trump has issued ultimatums to Moscow over a ceasefire, only to later soften his stance.
In response to the drone incident, Germany has extended its air policing missions over Poland, and both Berlin and Paris summoned Russia’s ambassadors for explanations.
