The UK will join NATO's Eastern Sentry operation to strengthen the alliance's eastern defences following Russia's drone incursion into Polish airspace this week. NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte announced on Friday that military activity would begin within days, involving assets from Britain, France and Germany.
The operation will feature traditional military capabilities alongside elements specifically designed to counter drone threats, Rutte said. He emphasised that Eastern Sentry would bolster NATO's defensive posture and provide greater flexibility in responding to security challenges.
The NATO response follows Tuesday night's incident when Russian drones violated Polish airspace and were subsequently shot down by Polish and NATO forces. Defence Secretary John Healey had earlier tasked the military with examining how Britain could help strengthen NATO's air defence over Poland.
UK's Military Commitment
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed Britain's full participation in the mission. "The UK is fully committed to playing our part in Nato's Eastern Sentry following the reckless and dangerous airspace violations by Russia," they said, promising further details about the UK's military contribution soon.
Until July, six RAF Typhoon jets operated from Poland as part of NATO's rotating air policing mission shared among alliance members. The UK's renewed involvement represents a direct response to escalating Russian aggression against NATO territory.
Sanctions and Diplomatic Action
The UK announced 100 new sanctions targeting Russia's military and energy sectors on Friday, coinciding with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's first overseas visit to Kyiv in her new role. Cooper condemned Putin's actions and their broader implications for international security.
"The UK will not stand idly by as (Russian President Vladimir) Putin continues his barbaric invasion of Ukraine. His complete disregard for sovereignty has been shown this week when he recklessly sent drones into Nato airspace," Cooper said. She stressed that international economic pressure remained vital to cutting off cash flows Putin needs for his illegal war.
The sanctions target companies supplying Russia with electronics, chemicals and explosives used in missile production. They also hit 70 ships in Putin's "shadow fleet" operation, responsible for illicitly carrying cargo since the war began.
Escalating Attacks
Cooper's visit follows Moscow's largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war started, which hit a key government building in Kyiv for the first time on Sunday. The Foreign Secretary will visit the damaged cabinet of ministers building and residential areas destroyed in Russian strikes during her diplomatic mission.
When asked about pushing Donald Trump to follow suit with sanctions during his upcoming UK state visit, Cooper told ITV that economic pressure on Russia would be part of ongoing security discussions. She emphasised the importance of the partnership and relationship with the US on continued security issues.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
