The protection of NATO's eastern flank is of paramount importance, which is why we are launching Operation Eastern Sentry, which will further strengthen the defense posture of this region, Mark Rutte said in Brussels on Friday, when he presented the alliance's response to Russian drones violating Polish airspace.
The NATO Secretary General, speaking at a press conference with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, said the operation would be launched in the coming days and would involve forces from a number of allies, including Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and others, in addition to conventional military capabilities. The effort would also include elements to address the challenges posed by the use of drones, he added.
According to the Secretary General, although the airspace violations mostly affect the eastern flank, in fact all 32 NATO member states are at risk, as Russian missiles can reach any point in Europe within minutes. Operation Eastern Guard, however, provides flexible protection against airspace violations and other threats, he emphasized. Regarding the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones last week, Rutte said: what happened, regardless of whether it was intentional or not, is irresponsible and unacceptable, and the alliance's integrated air defense systems have successfully ensured the protection of NATO territory.
According to Rutte, US President Donald Trump has responded well to what happened and the US commitment to NATO is solid. Rutte also welcomed the proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a jointly funded “drone wall”. According to the Secretary General, the EU and NATO work closely together: NATO provides defence planning and requirements, while the EU can contribute in terms of industry and financing. Therefore, any EU initiative, such as the development of drone technology, is useful for common defence, he added.
General Alexus Grynkewich said France, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Germany have already offered fighter jets, warships and air defence systems. NATO is also accelerating the introduction of new, cost-effective anti-drone technologies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the operation.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed the new NATO mission, saying Poland wants “our steps to give Russia a clear answer that we will not tolerate its provocations in any way.”
We welcomed the assurances and statements made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and General Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. These are exactly the statements and decisions we asked for: decisive and swift action
– said Tusk.
