The UK will join NATO's Eastern Sentry operation to strengthen the alliance's eastern defences following Russia's drone incursion into Polish airspace this week. The military response comes as tensions escalate over Russian violations of NATO territory.
NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte announced on Friday that the operation would begin within days, involving military assets from the UK, France and Germany. He said the effort would include traditional capabilities alongside elements specifically designed to counter drone threats.
NATO's Enhanced Response
The Eastern Sentry operation aims to bolster NATO's defensive posture and provide greater flexibility in responding to security challenges on the alliance's eastern border. Rutte emphasised that the initiative addresses particular challenges posed by drone warfare.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed Britain's full commitment to the mission. "The UK is fully committed to playing our part in NATO's Eastern Sentry following the reckless and dangerous airspace violations by Russia," they said, promising further details about the UK's military contribution soon.
Trigger Incident and Context
The NATO response follows Tuesday night's incident when Russian drones violated Polish airspace and were subsequently shot down by Polish and NATO forces. Defence Secretary John Healey had earlier tasked the military with examining how Britain could help strengthen NATO's air defence over Poland.
Until July, six RAF Typhoon jets operated from Poland as part of NATO's rotating air policing mission shared among alliance members. The UK's renewed involvement represents a direct response to escalating Russian aggression.
Sanctions and Diplomatic Action
The UK announced 100 new sanctions targeting Russia's military and energy sectors on Friday, coinciding with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's first overseas visit to Kyiv in her new role. Cooper condemned Putin's "barbaric invasion" and his "complete disregard for sovereignty" demonstrated by sending drones into NATO airspace.
"International action to increase economic pressure on Russia and to cut off critical cash flows, which he desperately needs to pay for this illegal war, is vital," Cooper said. The sanctions target companies supplying Russia with electronics, chemicals and explosives used in missile production, plus 70 ships in Putin's "shadow fleet" carrying illicit cargo since the war began.
Escalating Attacks
Cooper's visit comes after Moscow conducted its largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war started, hitting a key government building in Kyiv for the first time on Sunday. The Foreign Secretary will visit the damaged cabinet of ministers building and residential areas destroyed in Russian strikes during her diplomatic mission.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
