NATO tracks 19 drones as Russia’s ‘Sapad 2025’ military exercise stokes border tensions
On Wednesday night, 19 unarmed drones entered Polish airspace near the border with Russia and Belarus. This incident occurred as Russia's 'Sapad 2025' military exercise, involving 13,000 soldiers, is set to begin on Friday. The exercise simulates an attack on Russia and is taking place about 80 kilometers east of Minsk, near the town of Borisov.
NATO responded to the drone incursion, showing readiness to defend. However, NATO sources confirmed there was no immediate military threat from the exercise. The drones were tracked by radar and intentionally shot down late, suggesting a planned provocation or test of NATO by Russia.
SPD politician Hans-Peter Bartels described the exercise as a routine event that happens every four years. Some German media outlets, however, hyped the drone flight and exercise as an 'attack on Poland' or 'escalation against NATO'. NATO advisors were invited to the exercise but Germany declined.
The drone incursion and Russia's 'Sapad 2025' military exercise have raised tensions near the border with Poland and Baltic countries. While NATO remains vigilant, there is no immediate threat from the exercise. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
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