Russia’s Air Incursions: War Not Imminent Russian Air Incursions Escalate Tensions, But War with Europe Not Imminent, Experts Say Recent weeks have seen a dramatic spike in Russian aircraft and drone incursions into European airspace, prompting a robust response from NATO and raising fears of a wider conflict.1 While the aggressive maneuvers are seen as a deliberate test of Western resolve, and the risk of miscalculation remains high, analysts suggest that a full-scale war between Russia and Europe is not an immediate consequence. The latest developments include a swarm of approximately 20 Russian drones flying deep into Polish territory, Russian fighte

Russia’s Air Incursions: War Not Imminent  g.co/gemini/share/45150dca39…
Russian Air Incursions Escalate Tensions, But War with Europe Not Imminent, Experts Say

Recent weeks have seen a dramatic spike in Russian aircraft and drone incursions into European airspace, prompting a robust response from NATO and raising fears of a wider conflict.1 While the aggressive maneuvers are seen as a deliberate test of Western resolve, and the risk of miscalculation remains high, analysts suggest that a full-scale war between Russia and Europe is not an immediate consequence.

The latest developments include a swarm of approximately 20 Russian drones flying deep into Polish territory, Russian fighter jets violating Estonian airspace for a sustained period, and numerous drone sightings over critical infrastructure in Denmark, Norway, and Germany, including military bases and civilian airports.2 These incidents have triggered a heightened state of alert across the continent.3

In response, NATO has strongly condemned Russia’s “reckless and irresponsible behavior.”4 Estonia invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which calls for consultations when a member state feels its territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened.5 This led to an emergency meeting of the NATO Council.6

Operationally, the alliance has launched “Eastern Sentry,” a mission to bolster air policing along its eastern flank.7 All member states have expressed solidarity, and individual nations are taking their own precautions.8 Poland has stated it will not hesitate to shoot down any unidentified aircraft violating its airspace.9 Similarly, Germany is considering revising its rules of engagement to allow for the downing of drones.10 In a sign of growing concern, EU defense ministers are now actively discussing the creation of a “drone wall” to enhance their collective air defense capabilities.11

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is deliberately testing Europe’s air defenses and preparing for potential future aggression.12 He has offered to share Ukraine’s extensive experience in countering Russian aerial attacks with European partners.13

Military analysts and political experts widely interpret Russia’s actions as a form of “hybrid warfare” conducted in a “gray zone” just below the threshold of open conflict.14 The primary motivations appear to be multifaceted:

Testing NATO’s Defenses and Unity: Russia is likely probing NATO’s reaction times, rules of engagement, and political cohesion.15 The varied nature of the incursions—from single drones to coordinated swarms and fighter jet intrusions—allows Moscow to gauge the alliance’s response to different levels of provocation.16
Sowing Instability and Fear: By creating a persistent sense of threat and disruption, Russia aims to foster anxiety among European populations and create divisions within and between NATO member states.17 The disruption of civilian air traffic over Copenhagen and other locations serves this purpose.
Diverting Attention and Resources: Forcing NATO to expend resources on air policing and defense on its own territory could be a strategic attempt to divert attention and military aid from Ukraine.

Despite the escalating tensions, most experts believe that neither Russia nor NATO desires a direct military confrontation. For Russia, a war with the entire NATO alliance would be militarily and economically devastating. For NATO, while committed to collective defense under Article 5, the primary goal is deterrence and de-escalation.18

However, the risk of an unintended escalation remains a significant concern. A miscalculation by either side, such as the downing of a manned Russian aircraft over NATO territory, could quickly spiral into a more dangerous crisis. The current situation is therefore characterized by a tense and volatile “new normal” where Russia continues to push the boundaries, and NATO is forced to walk a fine line between demonstrating resolve and avoiding a direct conflict.

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 29, 2025