Day 1570 of war in Ukraine: NATO considers strengthening eastern flank air defense capabilities

Ukraine marks day 1570 of the war as NATO considers rapid strengthening of air defense capabilities on its eastern flank. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, with fighting continuing primarily in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Ukraine marked day 1570 of the war on Thursday, June 12, 2026. NATO allies are discussing options to rapidly strengthen air defense capabilities on the alliance's eastern flank to counter Russia's growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicle attacks.

Air defense on the eastern flank

Strengthening NATO's eastern flank air defense has risen high on the agenda of member states as Russia increasingly uses unmanned aerial vehicles both to attack targets in Ukraine and for reconnaissance purposes. The allies are seeking solutions on how to accelerate the deployment of air defense systems in the Baltic states and other eastern flank countries.

Background to the war

Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. After Ukrainian forces repelled the Russian offensive against Kyiv in spring 2022, military operations have concentrated primarily in eastern and southern Ukraine, where fighting continues in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

During the war, Ukraine has received significant military assistance from Western countries, including air defense systems, artillery ammunition and armored vehicles. NATO has simultaneously strengthened its presence on the eastern flank, deploying additional forces to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.