European officials warn of rising Russian drone and missile threats to NATO members
High-level European officials say Russia could launch drone or missile attacks against NATO states supporting Ukraine, prompting heightened defence preparations across the continent.
European defence chiefs are increasingly alarmed that Russia might employ drones or missiles against NATO countries that back Ukraine, according to statements from senior officials. Donald Tusk cautioned that such attacks could occur within months, prompting Germany to prepare hospitals for wartime scenarios and Lithuania to revise its evacuation procedures. NATO has responded with exercises in the Baltic states, and Belarus recently held extensive drills close to Lithuania's border.
The Kremlin has intensified its hybrid campaign, with a rise in air-space breaches and sabotage incidents that NATO attributes to Russian pressure. French President Emmanuel Macron called an extraordinary meeting to discuss Ukraine, Iran and the energy crisis, labeling the hybrid threat as “strengthened.” Despite the heightened alert, NATO officials say no immediate attack is expected but stress the need to remain vigilant.
Why it matters
The warnings signal a potential escalation of Russian aggression that could draw NATO members into direct conflict.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Putin links Far East investment, demographic policy and Ukraine war at Eastern Economic Forum
- Sep 14 A train carrying former British prime minister Boris Johnson and other senior officials was reported to be near the drone strike.
- Sep 14 Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky announced Ukraine had offered its allies to secure an agreement with Russia to end destruction of critical infrastructure.
- Sep 14 NATO pledged to increase military aid to Ukraine and reinforce its eastern flank.
- Sep 14 Kim Jong-un promised his “unwavering support” to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a letter, calling Russia’s war “sacred”.
- Sep 15 Report clarified that the damaged locomotive was intended to adjust wheelsets for differing track gauges.
- Sep 15 NATO Secretary General said the alliance will raise its aid to Ukraine.
- Sep 15 President Emmanuel Macron announced new measures to shield France's critical infrastructure from escalating Russian hybrid attacks, including drones and cyber threats.
- Sep 15 Poland began fortifying its border crossings with temporary sand‑filled blast walls and new observation posts at Dorohusk, Medyka and Korczowa.
- Sep 17 A fourth Russian strike on the Zaporizhstal Iron and Steel Works wounded a worker.
- Sep 17 A Russian jet‑drone strike near the Polish‑Ukrainian border triggered air‑defence alerts and fighter scrambles.
- Sep 18 Macron ordered a protection scheme for critical infrastructure.
- Sep 19 Tusk invoked NATO’s Article 4 and announced a trip to Kyiv.
- Sep 20 Ukraine announced new long‑range drone attacks on targets in the Moscow region.
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