The NATO On September 23, he approved a significant change in his involvement rules. The 32 Member States ratified a more “flexible” attitude that now allows each country to decide on its own to respond to a breach from the Russiaincluding the possibility of a fighter aircraft crashing. Until now, patrols have been confined to the interception and forced return of Russian aircraft outside the airspace of the Alliance.
NATO’s decision followed a series of recent incidents: first the entry of drones from Russia into Poland’s airspace on September 9 to 10, and then violating Russian fighters in Estonia on September 19th.
NATO estimates that 300–500 intercepts of Russian aircraft take place each year, which over time has led to risk degradation.
Between preventing and escalating
In an interview with Le Monde, American General Alexus Grynkewich, a new commander of the Allied forces, confirmed that the development is now opening the “choice” of immediate military response, but avoiding revealing the measures taken to limit the risk.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the “rise of a level”, but experts remain divided. Some are demanding a clear red line, even if this implies the risk of an episode like 2015, when Turkey broke a Russian fighter. Others believe that strategic ambiguity remains more effective against a Russia organized for long -term confrontation.
A new stage for Europe
According to Le Monde, this development marks the end of the “distance” war management in Ukraine. The alliance is no longer limited to logistical and military support for Kiev, but is immediately exposed to the risk of contractual controversy.
A choice that can prove dangerous as any public complaint of Russian violation can fuel the Kremlin propaganda and weaken European cohesion. However, for the first time since the beginning of the war, NATO recognizes that inactivity can be more dangerous than the opening of the choice of armed reaction.