Why is NATO conducting Operation Eastern Guardian near the Russian border?

According to RT on September 18, NATO announced details of Operation Eastern Sentry, taking place near the Russian border. According to Finnish President Alexander Stubb, this mission will initially strengthen Poland's air defense system, then expand to the entire eastern border of Finland and Norway.

"Last week, consultations were held on Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty after which Operation Eastern Sentry was launched, the initial goal of which was to strengthen the air defense of Poland, and then the entire eastern border of Finland and Norway," RIA Novosti quoted the Finnish president as saying.

On the British side, the Ministry of Defence announced that London will contribute Typhoon fighter jets to the NATO exercise mission, which will carry out air defence missions over Poland to "counter aerial threats, including drones". The ministry explained that the Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets will join allied forces, including those from Denmark, France and Germany, to strengthen NATO's defences and deter the alliance's eastern flank.

"These fighter jets are not just a show of force, they play a vital role in deterring aggression, keeping NATO airspace safe and protecting the national security of our country and our allies," said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

According to NATO Supreme Commander Europe Alexus Grinkevich, Operation Eastern Sentry will be conducted along the entire eastern flank of the alliance - from the Far North to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

NATO announced its “Eastern Guard” initiative, which aims to “strengthen the defenses on its eastern flank” – both on land and in the air – after Polish airspace was violated by drones described by Warsaw as “Russian,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said. The initiative includes anti-drone technologies, he said.

On September 13, Polish authorities confirmed the launch of NATO's Operation Eastern Sentry. A day later, Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed a decree allowing NATO foreign troops to be present "as reinforcements" on Polish territory as part of the alliance's operation. According to the Polish National Security Service, "the presidential decree is classified."

Moscow has reacted to the news of the NATO operation. Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev noted that he was “just amused” by the initiative. Mr. Medvedev wrote on his Telegram channel: “It seems that this is all that remains of the ‘coalition of the willing.

According to experts, NATO's Operation Eastern Sentry pursues psychological and informational objectives rather than defensive ones.

Alexei Mukhin, Director General of the Russian Center for Political Information, told RT: “Politically, this is a key factor in creating an atmosphere of anxiety in Western Europe. The goal is to provoke Europeans to the point where they will calmly share their savings to replenish the rearmament funds of EU and NATO countries. The reason for justifying Russia's allegedly aggressive behavior.”

He also noted that, as part of Operation Eastern Sentry, in addition to moving aircraft to Europe closer to the Russian border, there is also talk of adding servicemen from other alliance countries to NATO's military infrastructure in Poland.