Nato reinforces eastern flank after Russian drone incursion into Poland

Nato countries are deploying additional troops and fighter jets eastwards after Poland accused Russia of carrying out an unprecedented drone incursion earlier this week.

Denmark, France and Germany have confirmed their participation in a new mission to strengthen the alliance’s eastern defences, with other Nato members expected to join in the coming days.

The move underscores growing concern among allies after Poland said 19 Russian drones entered its airspace on Wednesday.

Polish officials reported that several of the drones were shot down, while others crashed in fields and even struck a residential home in the country’s east.

No fatalities were reported, but the incident has heightened fears of the war in Ukraine spilling further into Nato territory.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday that peace talks with Kyiv were “on pause,” adding: “You can’t wear rose-tinted glasses and expect that the negotiation process will yield immediate results.”

The drone incursion has fuelled political tension across Europe, with Warsaw warning that Russia’s actions represented a direct threat to the security of the alliance.

Nato officials said the new deployments were a defensive measure designed to deter further violations and reassure eastern member states.