NATO responds to the Kremlin with force: a large-scale military deterrence operation is launched
12 September 19:20
NATO has announced the launch of a new operation called Eastern Sentry, aimed at strengthening the defense of the Alliance’s eastern flank. The decision was made after a series of violations of Polish airspace by Russian drones, which caused considerable concern in Warsaw and Brussels, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports citing Reuters.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that this step is a signal of the Alliance’s readiness not only to react, but also to act proactively.
According to Rutte, the latest drone incident was “the largest cluster of violations of NATO airspace in recent years.” Such attacks pose not only a military but also a political threat, as they test the Alliance’s ability to respond quickly and collectively.
Composition and scope of the operation
Operation Eastern Sentinel involves the deployment of combined forces – ground forces and air forces – on the territory of Eastern European NATO member states. Although the exact number of troops has not been disclosed, it is known that the following countries have already joined:
- Denmark,
- Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany
- Great Britain, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom,
- France, and the United Kingdom.
Interceptor aircraft, air defense systems, and rapid response units are expected to be deployed to ensure border protection and prompt response to potential provocations.
Analysts suggest that Polish air bases, as well as military facilities in Lithuania, Latvia, and Romania, could be the first deployment sites. This would create a dense defense belt along the entire eastern flank, where the risk of ground invasions or drone attacks is greatest.
A political signal to Moscow
The launch of the operation is not only a tactical military move, but also a strategic message to Russia. NATO demonstrates that the Alliance is ready for escalation and will not allow regular provocations to go unanswered. the “Eastern Sentinel” has a deterrent effect: the Alliance shows that it responds not only to actual attacks but also to attempts to test its unity.
At the same time, diplomats recognize that the operation could become a source of new tensions. Russia has traditionally accused NATO of “militarizing the region” and may use this pretext to increase its own military presence along the border.
The Alliance is strengthening the defense of Poland and the Baltic States: Implications for Ukraine
Operation Eastern Sentinel is a positive signal for Ukraine. Strengthening the defense of Poland and the Baltic states reduces the risk of accidental incidents and creates an additional “protective belt” against potential threats from Russia. The more NATO forces are concentrated on the eastern direction, the higher the price for the Kremlin in case of further escalation.
Ukrainian experts note that this operation could become a kind of rehearsal for NATO’s collective actions in the event of a more serious crisis. At the same time, it is important for Kyiv to remain in constant dialog with its partners so that Ukrainian interests are taken into account when planning defense measures.
It is not yet known whether Eastern Sentinel will be a short-term mission or transformed into a long-term deployment. In any case, the Alliance’s decision shows a willingness to act and reduces Moscow’s room for maneuver.
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For Ukraine and its Eastern European allies, this means a new level of security, but it also requires a willingness to coordinate more, participate in joint exercises, and improve their own defense capabilities.
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