The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now in its third year, carries growing risks of expanding across Europe. The inclusion of additional military forces into the fray marks a notable shift in the character of this prolonged conflict. While the United States and other European nations have furnished Ukraine with financial and material support, recent developments suggest a more direct and escalated involvement.
Russian drones have begun to penetrate European borders. In response to the sighting of Russian drones over Polish airspace, two British fighter jets took to the sky to carry out a defensive mission. This operation comes under the umbrella of NATO’s Eastern Centry, a mission launched to bolster the eastern region of Europe after Polish forces downed Russian drones.
The increased Russian activity in the skies has heightened the possibility of the conflict spreading. The incursions appear to be testing NATO’s response to ongoing border violations.
This event prompted a warning from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk that the nation is closer to war than it has been since World War II. The United Kingdom has also stated it will provide more air defense support to Warsaw.