Poland has begun strengthening security along its border with Ukraine following drone attacks near border crossings that have raised concerns about the potential spillover of security risks into NATO territory.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that infrastructure used by the Border Guard would be reinforced. According to him, members of the 18th Engineer Regiment have begun work to strengthen checkpoints and facilities near the border with Ukraine, CNN reported.
The decision comes after two Russian attacks near the Polish border over the weekend. One of the attacks struck a train in the area while a group of former Western officials was traveling aboard it. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the attacks and claimed that the train was transporting military cargo.
The developments have also raised concerns in other NATO countries. In Lithuania, military authorities announced that a drone had been brought down in the country’s airspace. The device was carrying an explosive payload, which was neutralized by bomb-disposal experts, while authorities launched an investigation into its origin.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said the drone was a type used by Russia and that, according to an initial assessment, it may have been heading toward Ukraine but had deviated from its trajectory.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said that an Italian NATO fighter jet had shot down the drone and that, according to initial assessments, it had come from Russia. Italy’s Defense Ministry said this was the second such incident involving its fighter aircraft within a month.
Meanwhile, the Danish Armed Forces reported that a Danish military helicopter had been targeted in an incident involving a Russian warship in international waters. According to Danish authorities, the vessel released two emergency flares while the helicopter was conducting routine photography of the ship.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed support for Denmark and described the incident as part of Moscow’s efforts to destabilize Europe.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said that attacks and incidents near the alliance’s territory demonstrate, in his assessment, increasing pressure from Russia. He has called for stronger defenses along NATO’s eastern flank, particularly along its borders with Russia and Belarus.
In another development, the United States is attempting to mediate a reciprocal halt to attacks on energy infrastructure in Russia and Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump said that both sides had agreed to stop attacks on energy targets. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Kremlin subsequently characterized the initiative as a U.S. proposal rather than a formalized agreement.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine was prepared to support such a step if it contributed to reducing tensions and stopping attacks on critical infrastructure.
The latest developments come at a time when air and military incidents near NATO countries have increased attention on security along the alliance’s eastern flank.
