Donald Tusk Warns of Imminent Russian Attack on NATO

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia could launch an attack on NATO territory within months, framing the threat as an existential concern for Poland and the alliance's eastern flank. Speaking during an informal EU summit in Cyprus, Tusk questioned whether the United States would honor its Article 5 defense obligations under the unpredictable policy direction of President Donald Trump. He urged the European Union to transition from formal commitments to an operational security structure with real military capacity and called for the activation of the EU's mutual defense framework under Article 42.7.

These warnings follow speculation that Russia may target Western islands in the Baltic Sea—including Gotland, Bornholm, Hiiumaa, or Saaremaa—to test the resolve of the alliance. While Russia has denied intentions to attack NATO, Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu claimed a right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Shoigu alleged that NATO states are complicit in Ukrainian drone attacks launched through their airspace.

NATO continues to scramble fighter jets to intercept Russian aircraft violating flight rules in the Baltic region. Tusk emphasized that European security now depends on the alliance's political and military readiness, arguing that the region needs real tools and power to ensure NATO remains an alliance in practice rather than just on paper.