US EditionRussian Drones Force Europe to Defend Itself, Perhaps Alone, After Putin ‘Put Down a Marker’ to NATO
NATO and European nations are increasing air defenses on the eastern border as Russia uses drone flights to pressure the alliance amid ongoing conflict and military exercises, experts say.
- On Thursday, multiple Russian drones flew over Poland, marking a clear escalation as territorial defense officers cleaned debris in Wyryki near Lublin.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have timed drone flights just before Zapad 2025 exercises, with analysts noting the link to NATO pressure.
- NATO responded with high-tech interceptions, deploying F-35 jets, while France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom send equipment to Poland.
- Now, analysts say Europe may have to defend itself as experts warn European allies might do so without United States backing, while few expect NATO to invoke Article 5 amid President Donald Trump's ambiguity.
- By diverting air defenses to Poland, Russia's actions may influence NATO allies' strategic choices, while delays in weapon manufacturing benefit Russia over time.
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Trump: "Patience with Putin is ending quickly"
Associated Press News
Russian drones force Europe to defend itself after Putin ‘put down a marker’ to NATO
In the years since Russia invaded Ukraine, NATO has focused on defending its own territory first and resisted lower-level harassment from Russia, like acts of sabotage and intimidation.
The Russian drone incursion into Poland marks a dangerous new phase in Moscow's confrontation with the West, as the Kremlin tests NATO allies' resolve to defend themselves against Russian aggression. Experts warn that the Kremlin's signal is serious, and the Alliance must learn not only to repel attacks but also to punish Moscow. Otherwise, such attacks will become a very dangerous new reality.
NATO’s eastern flank is on high alert after the eruption of a swarm of Russian drones into Polish airspace this past Wednesday, an act described by Warsaw as “provocation” and strongly condemned within the European Union for “aggressive and reckless” and “part of a serious escalation” of Moscow to destabilize the continent.
Kremlin: Peace negotiations with Ukraine “have taken a break”
Chancellor Merz has described the intrusion of Russian drones into NATO airspace as a "serious threat to peace throughout Europe." Now the government is escalating its protest.
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