Overview

• Allied discussions reported by the Financial Times focus on arming surveillance drones and easing engagement thresholds for pilots along the eastern flank.
• The talks are described as early-stage with no timeline or commitment, and officials acknowledge divisions over escalation risks with nuclear-armed Russia.
• Border states initiated the push with support from France and the UK, aiming to raise the costs of Russian hybrid operations and clarify countermeasures.
• NATO representatives are also weighing additional exercises in sparsely monitored border areas and seeking to harmonize differing national rules of engagement.
• Recent incursions reported by Poland, Estonia and Romania prompted NATO’s warning to Moscow, while President Donald Trump publicly endorsed shootdowns for unlawful entries.