His allies NATO They discuss more decisive answers to Russia’s ever more challenging actions Vladimir Putin. Among the measures being considered is the development of armed aircraft along the border with Russia and the relaxation of pilots involvement rules so that they can open fire in the event of challenges by Russian aircraft.
The talks are intended to increase the costs for Moscow from the “hybrid” destabilization campaign that Putin has launched and to establish a clear countermeasures for airspace violations, according to four NATO officials informed of the “Times”.
Initially the discussions began between states bordering Russia – the so -called “frontline” countries – with support from France and the United Kingdom, and have since expanded to a wider group within the 32 -member alliance.
Proposals include the use of armed surveillance aircraft to collect information on Russian military activities and the integration of the rules of involvement for pilots patrolling the eastern border to reduce the threshold for reaction to Russian threats. Another option is to carry out NATO exercises along the border, especially in more remote and vulnerable areas.
Last month, Donald Trump said NATO would have to open fire on Russian aircraft violating the airspace of allied states. The US President’s observations came amid increased Russian challenges, including the first direct confrontation between NATO aircraft and Russian fighters after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In addition to the incident in Polish air space, Russian aircraft have also approached Romanian territory and a MIG fighter has crossed the Estonian airspace.
THE Matthew WhiterUS Ambassador to NATO, said last week that he is working daily with the allies to ensure “better choices” against asymmetric and hybrid threats. He stressed that it is crucial to have sufficient “steps” on the escalation.
Two NATO officials stressed that one urgent issue is to harmonize the rules of engagement along the eastern wing. Some countries require a visual confirmation of a threat before pilots open fire, while others allow radar database or perceived danger from the time and speed of an object.
NATO did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
Always during the Financial Times, talks, which began in a small group of directly affected states, have now evolved into a broader debate, and other capitals perceive the broader risk of the Russian destabilization campaign. Some governments are pushing in favor of a more aggressive NATO attitude as a deterrent to a means of deterioration, while others are gearing up for more restrained answers, taking into account the risk of immediate confrontation with a nuclear power such as Russia. A NATO diplomat said the talks are still at an early stage.
“If we hesitate, the gray zone will spread”
Last month, NATO convened two extraordinary meetings after the episodes in Poland and Estonia, and began the mission «Eastern Sentry» to strengthen the air defenses of the front -line states. There is no timetable or commitment to approval of any change At the alliance’s stance, officials also warned that any displacement may not be publicly announced.
NATO’s discussions coincide with the steps that the European Union is preparing to respond to the challenges from Russia. Among other things, the surveillance of Russian diplomats’ travel – who, according to intelligence services, are considered suspected of facilitating agents or sabotage in countries beyond their official missions – as well as the treatment of possible funding used to support such activities.
“Russia seeks to sow discord. We have to answer with unity. We should not just react, we must prevent because if we hesitate, the gray zone will spread, “the European Commission President said Wednesday Ursula von der Layen.