The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its third year, is witnessing an increased risk of wider European involvement. The conflict is expanding beyond the original two combatants as other nations’ military forces are becoming actively involved. For three years, the United States and European countries have given Ukraine financial support and weapons, but now their military forces are getting more involved in the war against Ukraine.
Russian drones have begun entering European countries’ borders. Two British fighter jets have flown their first defense mission over Poland after Russian drones entered Polish airspace. Prior to the operation, former Defence Secretary John Healey stated that when there is a threat, they respond together. This indicates that European countries are switching on their NATO mode for mutual security, meaning an attack on one is considered an attack on all NATO members.
This flight was part of NATO’s Operation Eastern Centry, which was launched to reinforce the eastern part of Europe after Poland shot down Russian drones. Russian drones are not stopping there: one was intercepted over Romania, while on Friday, three Russian jets flew in Estonian airspace for 12 minutes.
The repeated airspace incursions into NATO airspace have heightened fears of a potential widening of the war in Ukraine. The actions also appear to be a test of the alliance’s reaction to the repeated border violations.