There is discussion going on within the NATO alliance on “a more forceful response” to provocations allegedly coming from Russia, the Financial Times reported from Brussels, on Oct. 9, including by deploying armed drones along the border with Russia and easing restrictions on pilots to allow them to open fire on Russian aircraft. Frontline states bordering Russia—not named but likely including Poland and the Baltic states—backed by France and the U.K., have initiated the discussions, which have since broadened to a larger group in the 32-strong alliance, the FT continues. Proposals include arming surveillance drones used to collect intelligence on Russian military activities, and lowering the bar for pilots patrolling the Eastern border to take down Russian threats. Another option is to conduct NATO military exercises on the border with Russia, especially in more remote and unguarded parts of the frontier.
Supposedly, the proposed measures would serve as a means to “deter” Moscow from expanding what the destabilization campaign it is accused of, but not for which no actual evidence exists. Other allies are advising a more conservative response, given the risks of direct confrontation with a nuclear power such as Russia. “There are active discussions on these issues, how to better and more efficiently respond to Russia,” said one NATO diplomat, who cautioned that the talks were still in an initial phase. There is no timeline or obligation to agree on any change in posture, and a shift may not be publicly communicated, all four officials cautioned.
