The Daily Aus Is NATO close to war with Russia?
Sep 16, 2025
Recent Russian drone incursions into Poland and Romania have heightened tensions in Europe. NATO's historical response, including the downing of Russian aircraft for the first time, marks a significant shift. The podcast dives into NATO's Articles 4 and 5, clarifying the implications for member countries versus Ukraine. It also examines Russia's hybrid tactics, such as cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns. Overall, the discussion sheds light on the complex dynamics of collective defense in the face of escalating threats.
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NATO’s Core Purpose And Ukraine’s Status
- NATO is a 32-country military alliance formed after WWII to deter the Soviet Union and now includes European and North American members.
- Ukraine is a NATO partner but not a member, so it lacks the alliance's automatic mutual-defence guarantee.
Article 4 Versus Article 5 Explained
- Article 4 lets members request consultations when they feel threatened, while Article 5 is the mutual-defence pledge triggered by an attack.
- Article 5 is deliberately vague: each member chooses the form of assistance it will provide.
Poland’s Article 4 Invocation
- Poland invoked Article 4 after alleged Russian drones entered its airspace during a large strike on Ukraine on September 9.
- NATO convened talks but Article 4 is mainly for discussion, not an automatic military response.