Recent Russian Airspace Intrusions Highlight Diverging Responses from U.S. and NATO Allies
Within the past ten days, multiple incursions into NATO airspace attributed to Russia have exposed a contrast in responses between the United States and its European allies, as the war in Ukraine continues.
On September 10, Poland reported russian drones entering its territory, prompting the nation to invoke Article 4 of the NATO treaty – a consultation clause – for the first time this month. Four days later, Romania scrambled jets in response to a similar breach by a Russian drone, but did not invoke Article 4.
Moscow downplayed the incidents, stating it had “no plans to target” facilities in Poland. However,Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk characterized the situation as “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War II.”
Former President donald Trump offered a more restrained reaction,suggesting the incursions “could have been a mistake.” Acting U.S.Ambassador to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, sought to reassure allies, stating that violating the airspace of a U.S. ally, “intentionally or or else,” demonstrated “immense disrespect for good-faith U.S. efforts to bring an end to this conflict.” She affirmed, ”rest assured, we will defend every inch of NATO territory,” to the U.N. Security Council.
Moscow has yet to comment on Romania’s claims.
sanctions expert and Loyola University Chicago School of Law advisor Brett Erickson warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is testing the West’s resolve and military preparedness. “If the West hesitates, Russia will keep testing, probing, and collecting data on our response,” Erickson said via email. “Every incursion is a rehearsal. Unless we act decisively now, we are training Moscow to believe NATO is predictable, divided, and slow.”
The differing responses come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Washington for stronger measures and a clearer stance from Trump. Zelenskyy stated Friday evening that he expects sanctions if the war continues without progress toward peace, and anticipates Trump will take such action.
Friday night also saw Russia launch a large-scale missile and drone attack across multiple Ukrainian regions, resulting in at least three deaths and dozens of injuries. Poland responded by scrambling jets overnight to maintain “maximum readiness” and ensure safety in areas bordering Ukraine.
Erickson emphasized the necessity of complete sanctions, stating they must be “all-out” and “all-together,” and urged the U.S. to align with its allies. “President Trump must put his foot down,” he said. “Enough is enough.”
