Russia has warned NATO that downing its drones over Ukraine could lead to all-out war.
Dmitry Medvedev—Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council—stated on Monday, September 15th, that any attempts to create a no-fly zone over Ukraine and intercept Russian UAVs would “mean only one thing—a war between NATO and Russia.”
Medvedev also criticized Europe’s ‘Eastern Sentry’ mission—which was designed to strengthen Poland’s defences against drone incursions–—saying he was “amused” by the plan.
Several NATO countries, including France, Germany, Denmark, and the UK, have stepped up support to protect Polish airspace. Poland and Romania recently reported Russian drone incursions.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said the attack was “an attempt by Moscow to test NATO’s military response” and urged coordinated action to shoot down Russian drones and missiles over Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the incursions as “an obvious expansion of the war by Russia,” calling for fresh sanctions and stronger collective defence measures and warning
Do not wait for dozens of ‘shaheds’ and ballistic missiles before finally making decisions.
Meanwhile, Russia and Belarus launched the Zapad 2025 military exercises near NATO’s eastern border, practicing nuclear weapon deployment and testing new Oreshnik missiles.
Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia have reinforced border security, with Poland closing its border with Belarus for the duration of the drills.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of “critical days” ahead, deploying 40,000 troops to the border and erecting barbed wire and barricades along key roads.
