Warsaw – European security concerns deepened this week after 21 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, in what officials have described as one of the most serious violations of NATO territory since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. The incursion has reignited fears of escalation and drawn swift responses from NATO allies.
NATO Launches “Eastern Sentry”
In direct response to the airspace breach, NATO announced the launch of “Eastern Sentry,” a mission aimed at reinforcing air defenses across the alliance’s eastern flank. The operation will involve enhanced air policing patrols, rapid deployment capabilities, and tighter coordination between member states.
Several countries, including Poland, Germany, Denmark, and France, have already committed additional aircraft and resources to strengthen surveillance and defensive measures. Officials say the mission underscores NATO’s resolve to deter future violations and reassure member states most exposed to Russian pressure.
Poland Demands Accountability
Poland has taken the lead in demanding a robust Western response. Government leaders in Warsaw condemned the incident as an “unacceptable act of aggression” and called for greater accountability measures against Moscow.
“This violation of our sovereignty cannot be ignored,” a senior Polish official stated, urging both NATO and the European Union to adopt tougher security and economic measures against Russia.
Rising Diplomatic Tensions
The drone incursion comes at a delicate moment in European diplomacy, as leaders balance the need to support Ukraine with efforts to prevent direct conflict with Russia. Analysts warn that repeated breaches of NATO airspace raise the risk of miscalculation, potentially dragging the alliance into a broader confrontation.
Moscow has yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident, though Russian officials in the past have dismissed similar accusations as “fabrications” or “technical errors.”
What’s Next
NATO defense ministers are expected to convene in the coming days to finalize the scope of the Eastern Sentry mission and explore additional measures to deter Russian aggression. For Poland and its neighbors, however, the incursion is a stark reminder that the war in Ukraine continues to cast a long shadow over European security.