FROM FOX NEWS: Days ahead of the U.S. preparing harsh new sanctions tied to the war in Ukraine, Russian Vladimir Putin, whether intentionally or just carelessly, has tested the political will of NATO’s collective defense guarantee, Article 5.
In recent days, drones launched from the Russian-aligned state of Belarus have pierced Lithuanian airspace, drawing alarms from the region’s political and military leaders. One drone traversed approximately 100 kilometers, loitered ominously over Vilnius carrying two kilograms of explosives and ultimately crashed inside a military training zone. Earlier in July, another drone forced the evacuation of high-level officials when it crashed near the Šumskas border crossing.
Simultaneously, Russian forces struck a Ukrainian gas depot located mere yards from Romania’s border half a mile away, a strike that triggered warnings and prompted Romanian F‑16s to patrol the vicinity.
Though these seem like isolated incidents, observers point to a troubling pattern. Russian drones have drifted — or perhaps even been directed — into NATO airspace before, and NATO’s response has been muted.
The NATO countries have responded to the intrusions in various ways.
In Lithuania, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew within a kilometer of the Lithuanian president’s residence, prompting concerns about NATO’s resolve and defensive protocols.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said there is no evidence that the drone breached intentionally, but she added, “this is an unprecedented and alarming incident,” describing the behavior as “reckless.”
Šakalienė called it “a direct test of NATO’s resolve.”
Lithuania is reviewing its defensive protocols and requesting NATO to strengthen its air defenses to demonstrate its readiness to protect its entire territory.
In Romania, legislation was enacted in May 2025 authorizing the interception or destruction of unauthorized drones, preventing incursions during a recent strike near its border.
Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service head warned that Russia’s use of hybrid tactics, including drone incursions, aims to test NATO’s unity and resolve, potentially prompting the alliance to invoke Article 5.
There is speculation that Russia may use drone incursions to test NATO’s response and sow public anxiety.
Putin has until Friday to establish peace or face steep sanctions threatened by President Donald Trump.
Trump suggested targeting Putin’s oil-backed war coffers.
“Putin will stop killing people if you get energy down another $10 a barrel. He’s going to have no choice because his economy stinks,” he said on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
Trump hopes his envoy, Steve Witkoff, who met Putin in Russia, will help make peace possible.
“Great progress was made!” Trump said. “Everyone agrees this war must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come.”
The Kremlin saysTrump and Putin will have a face-to-face meeting to negotiate.
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