NATO is in discussions about adopting a more assertive response to Russia’s increasingly provocative actions, with proposals including the deployment of armed drones along NATO’s eastern borders and the loosening of engagement rules for pilots patrolling Alliance airspace.

According to four NATO officials who spoke anonymously to the Financial Times, these talks aim to raise the cost for Moscow in regard to its so-called hybrid warfare and to establish clear countermeasures against repeated violations of NATO airspace by Russian fighter jets and drones.

Initiative from Poland and the Baltics – Backed by Paris and London

Frontline countries such as Poland, the Baltic states, and Romania were the first to demand a tougher stance, supported by France and the UK. The conversation has since expanded within the Alliance amid growing concern over Russian destabilization operations.

Proposals currently under discussion include:

• Fortifying the borders with armed UAVs, which are currently only used for surveillance
• Easing engagement restrictions, allowing NATO pilots to fire without direct visual confirmation
• Conducting NATO military exercises near Russian borders, even in low-military-presence zones

Trump: “NATO Should Open Fire on Russian Aircraft”

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly added fuel to the debate last month by stating that “NATO should shoot at Russian aircraft” that violate the airspace of member states.

His remarks came after a series of Russian provocations, including the first direct engagement between NATO aircraft and Russian drones since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Russian UAVs have violated Polish and Romanian airspace, while MiG fighters allegedly entered Estonian airspace.

Rising Hybrid Threats Across European Airspace

In parallel, dozens of unidentified drones have caused major disruptions at airports in Belgium, Denmark, and Germany. European intelligence services suspect these are part of Russian “grey zone” operations involving cyberattacks and sabotage.

U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, stated that he is “working daily with allies to build better responses to asymmetric and hybrid attacks,” stressing the importance of having “multiple rungs on the escalation ladder.”

Diverging Opinions Within NATO

While some countries push for a more aggressive approach, others urge caution, fearing direct military confrontation with a nuclear power like Russia. A NATO diplomat commented that “active discussions are ongoing on how to respond more effectively to Russia,” but talks remain at an early stage.

Last month, NATO held two emergency meetings after incidents in Poland and Estonia, and launched Operation Eastern Sentry to strengthen air defense in frontline states.

EU Preparing Its Own Measures

At the same time, the European Union is planning its own countermeasures, including restrictions on Russian diplomats suspected of espionage or sabotage, and funding for air defense and anti-drone systems across EU territory.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament:

“This is a deliberate grey zone campaign against Europe. And Europe must respond.”
She added:
“Russia wants to sow division. We must answer with unity. It’s not enough to react — we must deter. If we hesitate, the grey zone will expand.”