"NATO is launching [Operation] Eastern Sentinel to further strengthen our positions on the eastern flank," Rite said at a joint press conference with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, US General Alex Grinkevich.

He added that the operation will be expanded in the coming days and will involve resources from Denmark, France, Britain and Germany.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has spoken positively about this NATO initiative.

I welcome the launch of NATO's Eastern Sentry to enhance air defense of the Eastern flank. Important move after Russian drone incursion in Poland this week. Like Baltic Sentry in the Baltic Sea to protect undersea infrastructure, it is another step to bolster regional security.

— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) September 12, 2025