Europe may deploy air defence over Ukraine's west in response to Russian provocations – The Telegraph
European countries may deploy their own air defence systems over Ukraine's west and later over Kyiv in response to escalating Russian provocations aimed at testing NATO's resolve.
Source: The Telegraph
Details: Russia has conducted a series of provocations in recent weeks that experts see as testing NATO's determination. In particular, Russian drones have been spotted over Poland, Romania and Denmark, fighter jets have entered Estonian airspace, and European airports, including London Heathrow, have been targeted by cyberattacks.
Although Europeans have downed only a small number of Russian drones, the incidents themselves reveal Moscow's strategic calculation: to test whether the US and NATO are ready to respond actively to violations of airspace.
The Telegraph says Russian leader Vladimir Putin is trying to exploit a period of domestic political instability in the US to weaken NATO's position in Europe, eliminate Ukraine's independence and dismantle NATO.
One of the options for the West's response currently being discussed in political and military circles could be the deployment of European air defence systems over Ukraine's west, with the potential to expand to Kyiv. Such a step is viewed as a way to demonstrate Europe's readiness to take responsibility for its own security.
The newspaper noted that the proposed option does not involve direct clashes with Russian forces, since the attacks are mainly conducted with drones and long-range missiles launched from Russian territory.
Quote: "It would also make a material difference to Ukraine's war effort. Most importantly, it would signal to Putin that if Russia makes dilemmas for the West, Europe can – and will – do the same for Russia."
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