NATO has initiated Operation 'Eastern Sentry' to bolster military presence on its eastern flank following Russian drone incursions over Poland. The operation involves deploying fighter jets and warships, with military support from Denmark, Germany, the UK, and France. This move comes amid joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises and heightened tensions, as Poland activates NATO's Article 4. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasizes the importance of defending the eastern flank.
NATO Launches 'Eastern Sentry' Operation in Response to Russian Drills
NATO Launches 'Eastern Sentry' Operation in Response to Russian Drills
Putin's drones flew over Poland. Now, NATO is responding by increasing its military presence in a new operation. Meanwhile, Russian and Belarusian troops are conducting joint exercises nearby.
NATO is deploying fighter jets and warships to the alliance's eastern flank, announced Secretary General Mark Rutte at a press conference on Friday.
The operation is named 'Eastern Sentry'.
– Protecting our eastern flank is of utmost importance, says Mark Rutte.
The reinforcement of the eastern flank's defense will begin in the coming days. Military forces from Denmark, Germany, the UK, and France will strengthen border surveillance.
Additionally, NATO countries will share more information with each other.
Rutte: 'Largest Violation'
The move follows Wednesday's incident when several Russian drones and a missile were shot down over Poland, a NATO member.
– This was the largest violation of NATO airspace we have seen, but it was not an isolated incident. Russia's recklessness in the air at our eastern flank has increased, says Mark Rutte at the press conference.
Poland activated NATO's Article 4 shortly after the incident, which requires member countries to convene. Such a meeting took place on Wednesday, according to Mark Rutte.
– The allies discussed the situation, says Mark Rutte.
At a press conference, Mark Rutte was asked if NATO is closer to war with Russia than before.
– Ultimately, it is up to Russia how far they want to take this. We will defend ourselves; we are a defensive alliance, not an offensive one, he says.
Russian Military Exercise
Simultaneously, Russia and Belarus are launching a large joint military exercise called Zapad-25. It is the first exercise since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The exercise is expected to continue until September 16.
Donald Trump stated on Friday that it could be a mistake on Russia's part.
– Regardless, I am not happy about anything related to the situation. Hopefully, it will come to an end, he says.
According to former Prime Minister Carl Bildt, the statement is remarkable.
“The facts reported by Poland are clear. Let's see what NATO concludes,” he writes on X.
According to Mark Rutte, NATO is still investigating whether the incident was intentional by Russia.
– Whether it was deliberate or not, the action is dangerous and unacceptable, he says.
Kremlin: Paused Negotiations
As tensions rise on NATO's eastern flank, hopes for a peace settlement in Ukraine were dashed by Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. He stated on Friday that negotiations with Ukraine are now 'paused'.
“Communication channels exist, they are established, our negotiators have the opportunity to communicate through these channels, but for now, we might talk about a pause,” he says on Friday.
Representatives from Russia and Ukraine have met for peace talks three times this year.