Putin checks Article 5 with an unmanned blow before Trump’s sanctions

During the days ahead of the United States, the preparation of fierce new sanctions related to the war in Ukraine, Russian Vladimir Putin, intentionally or simply carelessly, tested the political will of NATO’s collective defense, Article 5.

In the last days, Drones running From the Russian state of Belarus, they punched the Lithuanian airspace, attracting anxiety from the political and military leaders of the region. One drone passed about 100 kilometers, overlooked through Vilnius, transferring two kilograms of explosives and eventually crashed into the military training area. Earlier in July, another drone forced the evacuation of high -level officials when it crashed near the Shumsk border crossing.

At the same time, Russian troops hit the Ukrainian gas depot, located several yards from the Romanian border to half a mile, a strike that caused warnings and pushed the Romanian F -16 to patrol the surrounding area.

Although they are similar to isolated incidents, observers point to an alarming picture. Russian drones sailed – or maybe even sent – in NATO’s air space Earlier, NATO’s response was muted.

A new Romanian law can avoid NATO’s collision with Russia after border strikes

This week, Russian drones attacked the region of Ishmael Ukraine, just half a million from the border of Romania. (Reuters)

Andrew D’Anier, Deputy Director of the Eurasia Center atlantic Council, told Fox News Digital that, until it was clear, Putin says, his obvious lack of caution about these actions.

“Such anxious thing is that we have not seen a real answer from NATO,” D’Aniera said.

The Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Skolyenė, emphasizing that there is no evidence that indicates that the last unmanned violation of continuous violation, said: “This is an unprecedented and disturbing incident,” especially given that the drone flew just one kilometer from the residence.

Describing behavior as “ill -advised invaders”, she warned that they make a “direct test of NATO’s determination.” In response, Lithuania promised to revise its defensive protocols and urged NATO to strengthen its air defense as a clear message that the alliance is ready to ensure the safety of each inch its territory.

Romania, having experienced repeated drones, passed the law, it can allow its forces to intercept or destroy unauthorized drones. As a result, there was no inclusion due to the last strike near its border.

Bruno Kal, Head of the Federal Intelligence Service Department, has been heard for several months. In November 2024, Kal warned that the growing Russian employment of hybrid tactics – ranging from sabotage and cyberattacks to misinformation – causes NATO that may eventually feel forced to call Article 5.

NATO Samada moved against the backdrop of the largest drone attack on Ukraine

The Kremlin suggested to President Donald Trump, the right and president of Russia Vladimir Putin will meet soon. (Kremlin in Press/Gambling/Agency Anadolu/Getty Images)

Most recently, his warnings have intensified. In June 2025, he told the media that Moscow seems to intend to put NATO’s unity and collective defense in the test. Cal showed that Russian officials seem to doubt whether the alliance will support Article 5 and instead can deploy secret measures – “small green men” or hybrid provocations – to react NATO and not run obvious invaders.

This perspective was repeated by former Lithuanian Ambassador Aitvidas Bajarunas, who said Fox News Digital that even if the drone’s events were not intentional, their psychological force is real.

“It will be the future of the war in Eastern Europe,” he said. “We may not expect an immediate Russian attack, we could test Russia, as the institutions respond, how the public even reacts. Russia can use these even random invasions into the drone into the Baltic Air Space to pull up public anxiety.”

Bajaruni also called for a whole NATO response. “It is invasion of NATO. That is why we should not think about it only as a national response, but also allies, the reaction of all NATO.”

Putin’s hybrid proclamation From the flights of drones to border strikes, the new battlefield in Eastern Europe, where the test is not a tank and missiles, but unity, readiness and political will.

President Donald Trump gave Putin to Friday for a breakthrough of peace talks, after which he promised to accept steep sanctions.

Trump suggested that he would aim at Putin’s military cash registers this week. “Putin will stop killing people if you get another $ 10 per barrel. He will not have a choice because his economy stinks,” Squawk Box said.

Russia has attacked Ukraine, using Iranian Dauli, some of which went to NATO. (Getti Image)

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However, the president remained optimistic about the negotiations after his messenger Steve Vitkoff went to Russia to meet Putin. “Great progress has been made!” Trump promised. “Everyone agrees that this war should approach, and we will work on it in the coming days and weeks.”

The Kremlin claimed that Trump and Putin would soon face the talks for the first time in this administration.