Moscow Drones Pose Threat to Eastern NATO Countries

Russia’s frequent drone and missile attacks on Ukraine have raised concerns among neighboring countries, with nine eastern NATO countries calling for a joint response to the threat.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has launched daily drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, often violating the airspace of neighboring countries. The attacks have also targeted areas near western Ukraine, close to European Union (EU) member states and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) territories.

In early September, Romania and Latvia drew attention when Russian drones and missiles flew over their airspace during a night attack on Ukraine. The incident highlighted the need for a coordinated response to the growing threat.

The defense ministers of the nine countries on NATO’s eastern flank, known as the “Bucharest Nine,” expressed deep concern about the repeated intrusions into NATO airspace. They urged a joint response within NATO and requested assistance in improving their reconnaissance, identification, and interception capabilities.

“We need a strong and coordinated response at the level of the allies and the rapid implementation of NATO’s integrated air defense,” said Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar. “This includes the ability to intercept objects flying slowly at low altitude.”

The Bucharest Nine countries include Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. These countries are seeking to strengthen their air defense systems and improve their ability to respond to the growing threat from Moscow.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga has also called on Ukraine’s neighbors to consider the possibility of shooting down Russian missiles and drones. During a regional visit to Romania, he described Russian airstrikes as a “global threat.”

NATO has stated that there is currently no indication that these incidents are a deliberate attack by Russia on NATO allies. However, the alliance remains committed to supporting its eastern members and strengthening their defense capabilities.

Key Points:

• Russia’s frequent drone and missile attacks on Ukraine have raised concerns among neighboring countries.
• Nine eastern NATO countries have called for a joint response to the threat.
• The Bucharest Nine countries are seeking to strengthen their air defense systems and improve their ability to respond to the growing threat from Moscow.
• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga has called on Ukraine’s neighbors to consider the possibility of shooting down Russian missiles and drones.