FT: NATO Countries Discuss Armed Response To Kremlin Provocations In Europe
- 9.10.2025, 11:39
Specific proposals have been named.
NATO allies are discussing a stronger response to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's provocations, namely deploying armed drones along the Russian border and loosening restrictions on pilots to allow them to fire on Russian planes. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing four NATO officials.
The officials, who have been briefed on the talks, say the aim of such discussions is to increase the cost to Moscow of its "hybrid warfare" and to define clear countermeasures after a series of airspace violations by Russian drones and planes.
Countries bordering Russian Federation, backed by France and Britain, initiated the discussions, which have since expanded to a larger group in the alliance.
"Proposals include arming surveillance drones used to gather intelligence on Russian military activity and reducing requirements for pilots who patrol the eastern border to defuse Russian threats. Another option is for NATO to hold military exercises on the border with Russia, especially in the more remote and unguarded parts of the border," the FT adds.
It is known that US President Donald Trump has previously said that NATO should open fire on Russian planes that violate allied territory. This statement came after Russian provocations, namely the first direct confrontation between NATO aircraft and Russian UAVs since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine. In addition to this incident in Polish airspace, Russian drones have invaded Romanian territory and MiG fighter jets have crossed Estonian airspace.
At the same time, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said he is "working daily" with allies to ensure "the best options in asymmetric and hybrid warfare." He said it was important to "make sure we have enough rungs on the escalation ladder".
In turn, two NATO officials told the FT that one pressing issue was streamlining rules of engagement on the eastern flank.
"Some countries require fighter pilots to visually confirm a threat before using weapons, while others allow them to fire based on radar data or perceived danger based on the direction or speed of an enemy target," the piece explained.
These officials noted that the talks, which began in a small group of concerned states, have now turned into a broader discussion, as the capitals of other allied countries recognize the broad threat posed by Moscow's destabilization campaign.
In addition, some capitals are pushing for a more aggressive NATO posture, one official noted. At the same time, other allies are advising a more conservative response because of the risks of a direct confrontation with a nuclear power like Russia.
"There are active discussions on these issues of how best and most effectively to respond to Russia's actions," said one NATO diplomat, who cautioned that the talks were still in their early stages.