NATO defense ministers are meeting on Wednesday to discuss enhanced deterrence measures following recent airspace violations by Russian fighter jets and drones. The focus is on the new alliance mission along the eastern flank and the EU's role in drone defense. Parallel efforts will coordinate military aid for Ukraine.
In response to recent airspace violations by Russian fighter jets and kamikaze drones, NATO defense ministers are convening on Wednesday (9:00 a.m.) at the alliance's Brussels headquarters to discuss joint efforts for improved deterrence and defense. A key question is whether the recently launched mission to secure airspace along the eastern flank suffices to deter further provocations from Moscow. Some member states argue for a significantly stronger NATO presence in the eastern alliance territory to complicate Russia's military focus on the war against Ukraine.
Discussions also cover the EU's potential role in building an effective drone defense system along the eastern flank, particularly regarding financing. Evening talks among EU defense ministers will follow; 23 of the 32 NATO states are also EU members.
In the afternoon, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his British counterpart John Healey will lead a meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group to coordinate further military aid for the Russian-invaded country. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is expected to brief on the frontline situation and highlight the most urgent defense needs. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is likely to urge allies to increase funding for the Purl Initiative, which sells US-made ammunition and weapons to European partners for onward provision to Ukraine—Purl stands for 'Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List.'
The 'Eastern Sentry' mission, aimed at enhancing surveillance and air defense capacities, was launched in September following presumed deliberate incursions by Russian kamikaze drones into Polish airspace. Germany is contributing four Eurofighter jets for armed protection flights over Poland; other participants include France, the United Kingdom, Czechia, and Denmark. Subsequently, three Russian MiG-31 jets violated Estonian airspace.