NATO Must Act to Stop Russia’s Dangerous New Campaign

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/opinion/russia-ukraine-war-nato-putin.html

What has Russia recently done to NATO countries?

Made provocative military actions towards them

What provocative military actions has Russia done to Poland and Romania?

Drone incursions

What provocative military actions has Russia done to Estonia?

Sending fighter jets into it

What provocative military actions has Russia done to Denmark, Belgium, and Germany?

Drones

What have the drones sent by Russia into Denmark, Belgium, and Germany done?

Disrupted airports

What does Putin appear to intentionally do to NATO?

Provoke it

Why is Putin intentionally provoking NATO?

To intimidate and divide European support for Ukraine and undermine the U.S. and NATO alliance cohesion

How has NATO so far responded to Putin’s intentional provocation of it?

With unity

How has NATO responded with unity to Putin’s intentional provocation of it?

By intercepting and shooting down drones and escorting Russian jets out of NATO airspace

What has NATO’s response to Putin’s intentional provocation of it reflected?

Seriousness about protecting alliance members

What should NATO do now?

Strengthen defenses and make clear that further Russian aggression risks forceful responses

How can NATO strengthen defenses?

By expanding armed drone capabilities and electronic warfare countermeasures

What should the West do now?

Increase support for Ukraine

How can the West increase support for Ukraine?

By providing new military and economic aid

Why should the West increase support for Ukraine?

To signal resilience against Putin’s attempts to weaken Western resolve

What is the risk of NATO responding to Putin’s provocations?

Escalation

What is the effect of ignoring or downplaying Russian provocations?

Encouraging bolder aggression

What is necessary to deter Russia and maintain NATO’s credibility and security in Europe?

A firm, resolute stance