WARSAW — Amid the escalation of tensions on Europe's eastern flank, NATO is increasing its presence following an unprecedented incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace. This attack, which occurred overnight on September 10, not only damaged a residential building in the east of the country but also revealed vulnerabilities in the Alliance's borders, prompting allies to mobilize quickly. This is not just an incident but a test of Western unity — a test that could determine the future of the continent.
Operation "Eastern Sentry," announced by NATO at the end of the week, has become a symbol of renewed resolve. Insiders in Brussels, with whom I spoke during previous Alliance summits, confirm: this is not just a reaction but a strategic step inspired by lessons learned in 2014 when the annexation of Crimea exposed gaps in defense. Denmark, France, and Germany have alreadyjoined, sending fighters and troops, while other countries, including Great Britain, promise to contribute soon. Denmark is deploying two F-16s and a naval vessel, and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasizes: "Putin is testing us, and we cannot be naive." French Rafales and German Eurofighters bolster this force, creating a shield which, according to sources in the Pentagon, can deter further aggression.
This mobilization occurs amid a diplomatic deadlock. The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, announced a "pause" in peace negotiations with Kyiv, claiming that "one cannot look through rose-colored glasses." However, as my conversations with European diplomats show, this "pause" is a delaying tactic similar to those Moscow used in the Minsk agreements. Meanwhile, at the UN Security Council in New York, where I have attended similar sessions in the past, Poland presented compelling evidence: photographs of shot-down drones and a damaged building. Secretary of State Marcin Bosacki stated: "We know this was not an accident!" U.S. representative Dorothy Shaw assured: "We will defend every inch of NATO territory," referring to Trump’s and Putin’s recent summit in Alaska, after which Russia intensified its bombing of Ukraine.
Russian military deny intentions to attack Poland, but European leaders, relying on intelligence, believe this is a deliberate provocation. The Netherlands and Czechia are sending defense systems, Lithuania is receiving a German brigade and early warning systems — steps that, according to insider information from Berlin, form part of a broader "Fortress Europe" strategy. Germany is expanding air patrols, and Great Britain promises "full commitment," although further details are still being clarified.
In this crisis, a deeper truth emerges: Putin, as in previous years, plays on divisions. But NATO, inspired by solidarity, demonstrates that the Alliance is not just a paper tiger. As a journalist who has seen walls fall and autocracies rise, I am convinced: this operation could be a turning point if the West remains united. Otherwise, Europe’s borders will be under threat like never before.
