NATO Launches 'Eastern Sentry' Operation After Russian Drone Incursion
NATO has launched the "Eastern Sentry" operation to bolster the defense of Europe's eastern flank following a Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace. The announcement was made on Friday by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, signaling a heightened response to increasing aerial threats.
Operation Details and Participating Nations
The "Eastern Sentry" operation is set to commence imminently and will involve assets from various NATO member states, including Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The initiative aims to enhance flexibility and strength in NATO's defensive posture, ensuring readiness to defend alliance territory.
Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, described the operation as “flexible and agile,” incorporating enhanced capabilities, integrated air and ground-based defenses, and improved information-sharing among NATO partners.
“Although the immediacy of our focus is on Poland, this situation transcends the border of one nation. What affects one ally affects us all,” said Grynkewich.
Poland's Response and Rejection of Trump's "Mistake" Theory
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has characterized the drone incursion as an "attack," directly contradicting suggestions that it could have been accidental. This statement comes after former US President Donald Trump hinted that the airspace violation might have been a mistake.
Poland reports that as many as 21 drones were launched at the country by Russia on Wednesday, with not all of them recovered. Marcin Przydacz, head of Poland’s presidential International Policy Office, indicated the possibility of drones repeatedly crossing the airspace.
Amidst the international dialogue, Polish officials have reported 19 intrusions into the country’s airspace, with a large proportion originating from Belarus. A total of 16 drones have been found throughout the country, scattered across a vast area.
NATO's Assessment and Future Actions
Mark Rutte emphasized that NATO's assessment of the incursion is still ongoing. He stated that whether the actions were deliberate or not, Russia violated NATO airspace. He underscored the importance of demonstrating resolve and the ability to defend NATO territory, which is the core purpose of "Eastern Sentry."
Other European capitals and the European Union also labelled the raid a Russian test of the NATO alliance's resolve in the face of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. In response, Poland has requested a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the drone incursion.
