Russia‘s Drone Attacks & NATO Response: Experts Analyze Escalating Tensions

Recent drone attacks by Russia targeting Poland, Romania, and moldova – marking the first and largest such attacks against a NATO alliance member states – are raising serious concerns about escalation and the alliance’s response. A new discussion on the Defense & Aerospace Report’s Strategy Series, featuring Sam Bendett of the Center for Naval Analyses and Dr. Eugene Rumer, Director of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, delves into the details of thes attacks and their broader implications.

The conversation, lead by Defense & Aerospace report Editor vago muradian, explored the complex geopolitical landscape influencing potential responses. A key factor discussed was the potential impact of former President Trump’s stated conditionality regarding US support for NATO – specifically, requiring all alliance members to cease energy purchases from Russia and impose penalties on China.

Experts also analyzed the changing nature of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, noting the increasing scale and intensity of attacks. The discussion extended to the upcoming joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises,”Zapad 2025,” and the collaborative efforts between Moscow and Minsk to enhance their military capabilities.

A critical point of analysis centered on weather “Zapad 2025” could serve as a cover for potential future aggression against NATO,drawing parallels to how previous “Zapad” exercises were utilized to pre-position forces and equipment prior to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The presence of US military observers at the exercises and the potential for Washington’s engagement with Minsk to alter Belarus’s alignment with Russia were also examined.

The Strategy Series discussion provides a timely and insightful assessment of a rapidly evolving security situation, offering valuable perspectives on the challenges and potential responses facing NATO and the international community.

Listen to the full discussion:

Source: Defense & Aerospace Report strategy Series [September 16, 2025] featuring sam Bendett & Dr. eugene Rumer.