NATO spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that NATO countries are engaged in a conflict with Russia concerning Ukraine. Peskov emphasized that the situation is evident without the need for further proof, pointing out that NATO is offering support, both direct and indirect, to the government in Kyiv. This assertion aligns with the Kremlin’s stance that Western assistance to Ukraine equates to active involvement in the ongoing conflict.
Tensions escalated recently between Russia and NATO’s Eastern European allies. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk disclosed that 19 Russian drones flew over Poland, with three being downed by Polish and NATO forces. Tusk expressed grave concern, likening the situation to the closest brink of conflict since World War Two. This marked the first instance of Russian drones being shot down over NATO territory since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Following the drone incursions, Poland invoked NATO’s Article 4, prompting discussions among allies on territorial security threats. The move stopped short of triggering Article 5, which mandates collective defense in case of an attack on a member state. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski viewed the drone attacks as a test of the alliance’s strength by Russia.
Subsequently, a Russian drone breached Romanian airspace during an assault on Ukraine. Romanian forces, aided by German aircraft, monitored the drone for 50 minutes before it redirected towards Ukrainian airspace. Romania and the UK condemned Russia for violating their territories, with the UK denouncing the incursions as unacceptable.
NATO revealed intentions to increase fighter jet deployment along its eastern border to safeguard member nations from potential drone assaults. This move is a precautionary measure as NATO has refrained from direct involvement in the Ukraine conflict, a stance that Russia views as a significant provocation due to its opposition to Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.
In response to Russia’s heightened aggression, the UK announced its decision to dispatch RAF Typhoon jets to join NATO’s mission in Poland. This decision aligns with the need to address Russia’s escalating hostilities, as highlighted by UK Prime Minister’s recent statements and Channel 4 News interview with Sir Keir Starmer.
RAF Coningsby’s Typhoon jets, in collaboration with aircraft from other NATO countries, will participate in the “Eastern Sentry” mission over Poland. Additionally, a Voyager air-to-air refueling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton will support these efforts.