NATO launched Operation Eastern Guardian: how the Alliance strengthens defense against threats from Russia

According to hvylya.net: NATO has begun Operation 'Eastern Guardian' to strengthen the defense of its eastern flank in the face of growing threats from Russia. This was announced at a special press conference by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grinkevich.

The aim of the operation, which will involve the armed forces of Denmark, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and other member states, is to 'prevent aggression'. Rutte particularly emphasized the threats to Poland related to the recent violation of its airspace by Russian drones, as well as Russia's 'reckless behavior' in the Baltic Sea, which poses dangers to the Baltic countries.

Operation 'Eastern Guardian' has already started and will cover the entire eastern flank of NATO. According to General Grinkevich, it involves creating a comprehensive and integrated approach to air and ground defense, increasing the level of information sharing among countries, and flexible responses to threats. The specific number of troops and types of weapons to be deployed are not disclosed.

The Alliance's decision is a direct response to the incident that occurred on the night of September 10, when over 20 Russian UAVs invaded Polish airspace to a depth of over 250 km. This forced NATO countries to deploy combat aviation and air defense systems to protect the Alliance's territory.

Russian-Belarusian exercises and NATO's corresponding response

The launch of NATO's operation coincides with the start of Russian-Belarusian exercises 'West-2025' near the Alliance's borders. Although this year's maneuvers are less massive in terms of troop numbers than those preceding the invasion of Ukraine in 2021 (around 30,000 troops compared to 200,000), they include practicing launches of tactical nuclear weapons and 'Oreshnik' missiles. In response, Western countries are conducting their own maneuvers in the Baltic Sea, and Poland has deployed up to 40,000 troops to the border with Belarus. The Baltic countries and Poland are also tightening control by closing borders with the Russian Federation and Belarus and limiting flights in eastern regions.

Operation 'Eastern Guardian' was launched by NATO to strengthen the defense of the eastern flank against threats from Russia, responding to airspace violations and other forms of aggression. Military measures within the operation involve a comprehensive approach to defense and strengthening cooperation among NATO countries.