NATO secretary general announces Eastern Sentry initiative

Following the violation of Polish airspace by at least 19 Russian drones earlier this week, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has announced an ‘Eastern Sentry’ programme, which aims to deter further Russian incursions and show solidarity with Poland.

“We see drones violating our airspace. Whether it was intentional or not, it is unacceptable. The allies have expressed full solidarity with Poland. It is crucial to counter aggression and defend every member of the Alliance,” the NATO chief said, adding: “The defence of the eastern flank is our key task. That is why we are launching the Eastern Sentry initiative to further strengthen our eastern flank.”

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who in February called Poland “an exemplary NATO ally”, also spoke today with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who said in a post on the X platform that Poland could count on the full support of the US.

“He assured me that Poland can count on the friendship and full allied support of the United States,” Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote.