NATO’s leading leaders announced new measures on Friday, 12, to strengthen air defenses on the eastern flank of the alliance, after Russian drones that fell over Poland this week revealed the ease with which the war in Ukraine could spread through borders.
Air patrols, terrestrial interception systems, sensors and reinforced surveillance will be mobilized, authorities said. The military operation, called East Sentinel, will initially focus on Poland, but may be transferred to other parts of the region as necessary.
“Russia’s irresponsibility in the air along our east flank is becoming increasingly frequent,” said NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, adding that opponents also recently violated Estonia, Latonia, Lithuania and Romania airspace.
Unique opportunity
Legacy Card: Far beyond a service
It is still unclear why Russian drones entered Poland shortly after Wednesday midnight, Rutte said, but “whether intentional or not, is dangerous and unacceptable.”
United Kingdom, Denmark, France and Germany promised to send military and equipment to the operation, which American General Alexus G. Grynkewich, the main military commander of the alliance, said he would start immediately. The operation will also include technology designed to combat drones.
This Friday, in an interview with a Fox News program, US President Donald Trump said Russia should not be approaching or crossing the territory of Poland. The Republican, however, avoided commenting more on the episode.
Continues after advertising
Trump stated that the war is being harder to solve than he expected. “I solved several impossible wars, such as Congo and Afghanistan, but it is difficult with Ukraine,” he said. “When Volodmir Zelenski agrees to negotiate, Vladimir Putin doesn’t want to, and vice versa,” he said, in reference to the presidents of both countries.
Regarding the Russian leader, the Republican added that his patience is “running out quickly.”
