NATO launched a new mission to reinforce its eastern flank after Poland downed Russian drones, sparking tensions with Washington and sharp condemnation across Europe.
NATO announced Friday it will strengthen defenses along its eastern flank after Poland shot down Russian drones that entered its airspace earlier in the week. The incident marked the first time a NATO member has taken such action since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“This is reckless and unacceptable. We can’t have Russian drones entering allied airspace,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said, unveiling Operation Eastern Sentry, which will deploy air and ground assets from Denmark, France, Britain, and Germany.
US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, pledged the alliance would defend “every inch” of its territory.
The episode has fueled tension between Washington and Warsaw. President Trump suggested the drones “could have been a mistake,” but Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk rebuked him, insisting: “But it wasn’t. And we know it.”
European leaders condemned Moscow, warning of NATO’s vulnerability to drone warfare, while Russia denied targeting Poland and launched joint drills with Belarus.