NextFin news, On Saturday, September 13, 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Russia's newest missiles are capable of reaching London and Madrid within minutes, posing a direct threat to Western European cities. He made these remarks during a press briefing referenced by NATO's official press service and reported by RBC-Ukraine and Korrespondent.net.
Rutte emphasized that it is a misconception to believe that life in Western Europe is significantly safer than on NATO's eastern flank. He explained that these advanced Russian missiles travel at speeds five times faster than sound, requiring only five to ten minutes more to reach Madrid or London than to reach cities on the eastern flank such as Tallinn or Vilnius.
"The problem is that the eastern flank faces direct threats, including from drones and other means that could endanger our allies. However, I do not like the thinking that if I live in Madrid or London, I am safer than if I live in Tallinn," Rutte said. "So, let's agree that in this sense, we all live on the eastern flank," he added.
This statement comes amid NATO's recent announcement of the "Eastern Sentinel" operation, launched to strengthen the defense of NATO's eastern flank in response to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace. On the night of Wednesday, September 10, approximately 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, mostly from Belarusian territory. Polish air defense forces shot down four drones, and wreckage from 16 drones was found across 11 Polish localities, including one that fell on a military base.
Following the drone incursions, NATO invoked Article 4, allowing member states to discuss the situation within the North Atlantic Council. Rutte described NATO's response as "very successful," highlighting the alliance's readiness to defend every inch of its territory, including airspace.
The "Eastern Sentinel" operation involves forces from several NATO countries, including Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, aiming to bolster security along the eastern border of the alliance.
These developments underscore the heightened security concerns across Europe due to Russia's military capabilities and recent aggressive actions, as articulated by NATO's leadership on Saturday.
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