What this does, obviously, is move the overton window, making SOME lethal violations of NATO soverignty and defense acceptable. Russia uses this tactic to push the “red lines” further out, which allows for yet more lethal “whoopsies”. It’s the “I really really mean it this time” game of chicken with Russia teabagging NATO.
If this mess is a video game then NATO is the Pro-Gamer giving their young up and coming cousin Ukraine advice while it plays a PVP match against its older brother Russia. Russia used to be a ranked player, although allegations about cheating still abound, but NATO is The Ranked Player and everyone, even Russia, knows what will happen if NATO takes the controller from Ukraine.
Is there a chance to place air defence systems in Romania at the border to Ukraine and shoot down military objects that are approaching the Romanian border as precaution? While they are still in Ukrainian airspace, but with this case in mind that Russia already hit Romanian soil.
To protect Romania, bits of Ukraine and yet not really interfere directly with the war. Even though it could protect Ukrainian soil for a few kilometres along the border as well, once the UAV gets too close to the border with Romania.
As cautious as I like to be, I think this seems like a reasonable response and approach. It benefits Ukraine, even if it’s marginal, and while Russia will argue it’s an attempt to meddle directly in their war (Putin will find a reason to whine anyways), most of the world will see it as Romania attempting to protect their own land.
How could Putin even argue against this? By claiming Romania has no right to shoot down a Russian missile that’s already violated international airspace? The rest of the world will just laugh and ignore yet another meaningless complaint- just one of many.
Yeah. Especially if Zelenskyy just makes an agreement with Romania that they are allowed to. Kind of like how if a criminal crosses the UK’s border into Ireland during a police chase, the British police officers are still allowed to continue the chase for a reasonable distance (Until the Irish police can take over)
It would be hard to argue that this was unjustified escalation by NATO. At the same time it would signal that Russian escalation would be met with a proportional response from NATO.
Yeah IMO this is the type of very measured response that’s called for.
