4 d. ago Russia’s provocations are menacing Nato. The cold war shows how it needs to respond | Sergey Radchenko

Despite the cost of shooting down fighter jets and drones, small skirmishes remind both sides of the dangers of escalationEarlier this month, a swarm of Russian drones violated Poland’s borders. Some were shot down. A few days later, another Russian drone overflew Romania en route to Ukraine. The Romanian air defence let it get away. Then, on 19 September, three Russian MiG-31 fighters intruded into Estonia’s airspace. Italian F-35s – in the area on a Nato mission – intercepted the Russians and saw them off.Although this is hardly the first time Russia has violated Nato’s airspace, the extent and the brazen nature of these latest provocations make them stand out. Incursions will end only when the intruders are shot down. Fortunately, shooting down an occasional Russian fighter jet, never mind drones, is very unlikely to lead to a broader escalation. It may even help cool down tensions by reinforcing the red lines.Sergey Radchenko is Wilson E Schmidt distinguished professor at the He...

Events

7 d. ago EU to move forward with plans for drone wall amid Russian incursions

Ministers aim to bolster defences after spate of airspace violations, amid rising momentum for €140bn loan to UkraineThe EU has agreed to move forward with plans for a drone wall at the heart of its eastern defences, as momentum grows for a €140bn loan to Ukraine, based on Russian frozen assets.After a meeting with ministers from 10 mostly central and eastern European member states, plus Ukraine, the EU’s defence commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, said a drone wall to protect against incursions from the skies was an immediate priority and core element of the bloc’s eastern flank defences. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago RAF’s first aircraft deployed to secure Polish airspace after Russian drone breach

British RAF fighter jets have conducted an air defence mission over Poland in response to Russian drone incursions over Nato airspace, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Events

3 w. ago Nato to bolster eastern defences after Russian drone incursion

US-led alliance announces new Eastern Sentry mission as Trump and Poland disagree on Moscow’s intentions

Events

3 w. ago Nato announces more air support to defend Poland against future Russian incursions

France, Germany and Denmark to contribute fighter jets and other assets in mission also expected to involve UKFrance, Germany and Denmark will contribute fighter jets and other military assets to an enhanced defence of Poland against future Russian drone incursions, Nato leaders announced at a press conference on Friday.The UK is also expected contribute to the Eastern Sentry mission, which will gradually be expanded across from the Arctic in the north to the Black Sea and Mediterranean in the south to better tackle Russian drones and missiles. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago NATO races to defend eastern flank as Putin begins nuclear missile and military drills

'NATO is launching Eastern Sentry to bolster our posture even further along our eastern flank,' Rutte told a joint news conference with NATO's top commander in Europe.

Events

3 w. ago Poland ‘closer to conflict than at any time since WW2’ as UK forces are asked to bolster Nato air defences – live

UK defence secretary says Russian drone incursion signals ‘new level of hostility against Europe’ Full report: Poland shoots down drones over its territory amid Russian attack on Ukraine, says militaryLubelskie region governor Krzysztof Komorski is leading an emergency meeting with the police this morning. In a post on X, he urged residents to follow the guidance from the relevant authorities.Prime minister Donald Tusk meanwhile said in his latest update that he is in “constant contact” with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte. Continue reading...

Society

3 w. ago Britain could send fighter jets to Poland in the wake of Russian drone incursion as Defence Secretary John Healey says Vladimir Putin is 'testing' the west

Defence Secretary John Healey said he has asked UK Armed Forces "to look at options to bolster Nato's air defence over Poland" after Russian drones were shot down over the eastern European country.

Politics

3 w. ago UK looking to bolster NATO air defence over Poland in response to Russian drone attacks

Defence Secretary John Healey accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ‘testing’ Western allies with the attack

Events