Today in Focus Russia’s high-risk game in Nato skies
11 snips
Sep 24, 2025 
Dan Sabbagh, The Guardian's security and defence editor, dives into the recent surge of Russian drones and jets violating NATO airspace. He discusses the troubling implications of these incursions, including a specific drone attack on Poland and responses from NATO. Sabbagh explains the rapid decision-making process for pilots intercepting these threats. He also assesses the broader political and military dynamics at play, highlighting European allies' unwavering support for Ukraine and increased military readiness despite Russia’s provocations.
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Mass Drone Incursion Over Poland
- Around 19 Russian drones drifted into Polish airspace, some via Belarus, provoking NATO and Polish jets to scramble.
- The drones were unarmed Gerbera decoys, but the incursion triggered rare NATO military action over allied territory.
12 Minutes In Estonian Airspace
- Three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace and stayed for nearly 12 minutes before NATO intercepted them.
- Estonia described the incursion as unusually brazen and NATO escorted the jets out.
Provocations Test NATO Resolve
- Russia appears to be escalating provocations and testing NATO's limits rather than preparing a full-scale invasion of Europe.
- These actions signal a campaign of troublemaking to probe military and political resolve.