UK joins NATO mission to reinforce eastern flank after Russian drone incursions into Poland

​​​​​​​By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Britain will join a new NATO operation to reinforce Europe’s eastern flank following Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, the Defense Ministry said Friday.

“The UK is fully committed to playing our part in NATO’s Eastern Sentry following the reckless and dangerous airspace violations by Russia,” it said in a statement, adding that details of the contribution will be announced soon.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, visiting Kyiv on her first trip to Ukraine since taking office earlier this month, said the move was part of London’s ongoing solidarity with Ukraine.

“The UK will not stand idly by as Putin continues his barbaric invasion of Ukraine,” she said after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

She condemned Russia’s “complete disregard for sovereignty” by sending drones into NATO airspace.

Prince Harry also made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Friday, meeting wounded soldiers in a symbolic gesture of support.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also confirmed the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry, which will see allies deploy additional forces and equipment on Poland’s border with Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.

“Allies including the UK, France, Germany and Denmark have so far committed to the mission, with more expected to follow,” Rutte said.

The alliance said contributions will include two Danish F-16 fighter jets and a frigate, three French Rafale jets and four German Eurofighters.

US Gen. Alexus Grynkewich told reporters that reinforcements will help “plug gaps in the line” and improve coordination across NATO’s eastern flank.

The mission comes after Polish forces shot down Russian drones that crossed into its territory, the first known NATO engagement of the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Warsaw described the incident as Moscow testing the alliance’s military response.