"Eastern Sentry": NATO Responds to Russian Provocations in Poland
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland
12.09.2025
Following Russian drone attacks on Poland, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Alliance's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, announced the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry. Its goal is to significantly strengthen air defense on NATO's eastern flank, especially Poland. This includes the deployment of additional equipment and troops from allied countries in the region.
"This NATO decision is the result of our intervention and consultations with key countries. The Alliance has decided that Russia's provocation cannot go unanswered," declared Prime Minister Donald Tusk in a speech to the Sejm. He stressed that it is also crucial that everyone adopts a fact-based interpretation of the events of September 10. The Prime Minister also appealed for unity among citizens and political parties.
A Strategic NATO Decision
Today's NATO decision to establish Eastern Sentry is a direct response to the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. It is also an expression of responsibility for the security of NATO's eastern flank.
"The key conclusion is this—not Poland, not Ukraine, not the countries that directly participated in the defense of Polish airspace—but NATO as a whole confirms that Russian drones aggressively and systematically violated Polish airspace. [...] The Alliance has decided that Russia's provocation cannot go unanswered," stressed Tusk in the Sejm.
The NATO decision will directly strengthen Poland's security.
The initiative will cover both air forces and ground-based air defense elements. It will provide the Alliance with the necessary freedom to respond to threats from Russia, including aerial threats, missiles, and drones, explained the Prime Minister.
He added that European countries had decided on practical reinforcement of Poland's air defense and borders with additional equipment and soldiers.
"We are grateful for this. I think we all feel that this united response from our allies is exactly what we were waiting for. [...] It is a clear message to Russia that its provocations will not, under any circumstances, be tolerated," the Prime Minister emphasized.
"The security of allies is a boundary that no one can cross. It is also a boundary that all NATO states will guard together."
Russian Provocation Is a Fact
What is fundamental for Poland's security is that all allies adopt a fact-based interpretation of the events of September 10.
"It is important that there is no doubt about who the aggressor is, and that Poland and the entire eastern flank require much greater focus, attention, forces, and resources from the Alliance," noted Tusk.
He stressed that unity of the Polish political class is also crucial in shaping the true picture of the events of September 10.
"The whole world is watching whether Poland sends a unified message, or whether anyone succumbs to disinformation or Russian propaganda. [...] The allies' reaction was possible mainly because from our side—from the President, Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and the Polish military—a consistent message was delivered," assessed the head of government.
Poland's interpretation was based on facts—precise information from the services and the military.
"The whole world has witnessed that in recent hours an absolutely crucial contest was underway over whether Poland's or Russia's interpretation of the events would gain recognition and support among our allies," emphasized Tusk.
The fight for truth, however, will need to continue. Maintaining unity will remain essential.
"Our effort is not over. I call on all political forces: on the issue of the Russian threat and Poland's defense capabilities, we must truly act as one fist. [...] As long as we remain united, the North Atlantic Alliance will be guided by our assessment of events. [...] Unity is our main political asset," the Prime Minister stated.
"There is no greater value for Poland's security than the unity of all citizens and political forces."
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