NATO is reinforcing its eastern flank in Europe following a drone incident in Romania, according to Admiral Guiseppe Cavo Dragone. The alliance plans to create a secure link from the Baltic to the Black Sea. Russia suggested the drone was Ukrainian.
Several Eastern NATO countries, including Poland and Baltic states, are interested in hosting dual-capable aircraft (DCA) bases. Polish officials have publicly expressed a desire for nuclear weapons on their soil, with former President Duda requesting US deployment. This initiative aims to bolster US commitment to nuclear deterrence.
Russia's President Putin blamed Ukraine for a deadly drone attack in Luhansk, vowing retaliation. Ukraine denied the claims, stating it targeted Russian military assets. Meanwhile, Czech President Pavel urged NATO to respond assertively to Russian provocations.
Czech President Petr Pavel urged NATO to "show its teeth" with decisive, potentially asymmetric responses to Russia's provocations, including cutting off banks, switching off the internet, and shooting down violating aircraft. He stressed the need for a firm stance against Moscow's actions below the Article 5 threshold.
GLOBSEC forum in Prague discusses growing drone incursions in Baltics, questions over US commitment to European security ahead of NATO summit in Ankara, and changes in Ukraine war. Interviews with Finland's Defense Ministry permanent secretary and Serbia's speaker of parliament.
Donald Trump announced the deployment of an additional 5,000 US troops to Poland, reversing a previous Pentagon decision to delay troop rotation. The move follows the election of Polish President Karol Nawrocki and amid tense relations with European allies over the Iran war.
The UK's Ministry of Defence reported that two Russian jets "repeatedly and dangerously" intercepted an unarmed British RAF surveillance aircraft over the Black Sea in April. The Russian jets flew dangerously close, triggering emergency systems and posing a risk of accidents and escalation.
Over 500 Ukrainian drones attacked Russia overnight, killing three near Moscow. Romania found an unexploded projectile. The US let a sanctions waiver for Russian oil purchases lapse, impacting India.
Five NATO countries on Europe's eastern flank are seeking to host more US troops after President Trump announced a drawdown of 5,000 soldiers from Germany
5 eastern alliance countries now have a new defense minister.
