In 2025, instances of Russian drones entering NATO member airspace surged three times compared to previous years, while a formal emergency protocol is notably lacking as foreign ministers from the alliance gather in June 2026. Nations such as Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, and Finland have each reported incursions since 2022. The attack on Romanian civilians on May 29 marks the first occasion where casualties have occurred due to a Russian strike within a NATO country. Efforts by the alliance to deploy F-16s and issue diplomatic protests have proven ineffective in deterring further aggression. France and the Czech Republic are advocating for a robust international response that goes beyond mere denunciation. The unclear stance of President Trump on Article 5 has further complicated the alliance's cohesive communication. The upcoming NATO summit in Ankara will serve as a pivotal moment to assess whether the alliance can establish a coherent policy regarding drone incursions.
