Overview

• At least 19 Russian‑origin drones penetrated Polish airspace during a strike on Ukraine, with several shot down by Polish and allied jets in the first interceptions over Poland reported in this war.
• Secretary General Mark Rutte said the Eastern Sentry deployment begins immediately and will draw on assets from Germany, Denmark, France and the UK, including capabilities tailored to counter drones.
• Germany doubled its Eurofighters policing Poland’s skies from two to four and extended the mission through December, while France offered three Rafale jets as Poland closed its Belarus border and tightened nearby airspace.
• Russia and Belarus began the Sapad‑2025 exercise running to 16 September, with about 13,000 troops in Belarus and roughly 30,000 in Russia, and Belarus signaled training that includes nuclear‑capable Oreschnik systems as NATO monitors and sees no immediate military threat.
• Poland requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting and allies summoned Russian ambassadors, as Warsaw rejected suggestions it was a mistake and NATO sources said at least one drone headed toward the Rzeszow aid hub.