On September 21, NATO scrambled Eurofighter jets over the Baltic Sea to intercept a Russian Il-20M reconnaissance aircraft flying without a flight plan, a potential security risk. The Il-20M, equipped with advanced surveillance technology, is designed to gather intelligence. This incident, along with other recent airspace violations by Russian aircraft in Estonia, Poland, and Romania, demonstrates a pattern of Russia testing NATO’s eastern defenses. In response to these provocations, NATO has increased its vigilance and launched the Eastern Sentry mission, emphasizing the alliance’s commitment to collective security and readiness to respond decisively.
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Ukrainian forces struck two oil refineries in Russia overnight on September 20th, one in Saratov and another in Samara Oblast, as confirmed by Ukraine’s General Staff. The strikes also damaged a key transport infrastructure facility in Samara. These actions are part of Kyiv’s ongoing campaign to diminish Russia’s military-economic potential, targeting oil and gas infrastructure vital for supporting the Russian armed forces. The reported attacks occurred amid a backdrop of gasoline shortages in Russia, further intensifying the impact of the Ukrainian strikes.
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In a recent statement, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart reported a violation of Estonian airspace by Russian jets on the morning of September 19th. Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland without permission, remaining for 12 minutes. NATO responded immediately to the incursion, intercepting the aircraft. The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires to protest the violation, and Kaja Kallas called the incident an “extremely dangerous provocation”.
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Denmark has increased its military presence in Greenland with Exercise Arctic Light, a large training mission, due to concerns about potential threats from Russia and China in the Arctic. While Danish officials publicly express these concerns, they also state no immediate military threat exists. However, this military buildup, including a $9 billion arms purchase from European manufacturers instead of the U.S., seems to be a response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland. The message to allies is Denmark is actively protecting its territory.
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Ukrainian strike destroys key Russian radar station in Rostov Oblast, and honestly, it’s a pretty fantastic way to start the day. Hearing about successful Ukrainian actions, especially when they inflict damage on the enemy’s capabilities, just feels…good. It’s a concrete step in the right direction, a little victory in a really awful situation. Losing that kind of equipment has a tangible impact; it directly hinders Russia’s ability to function effectively in their ongoing aggression.
Ukrainian strike destroys key Russian radar station in Rostov Oblast, and this isn’t just about the equipment itself. It’s about the implications. Taking out radar means crippling their ability to “see” what’s going on in the air, to track incoming threats, and to effectively coordinate their own offensives.… Continue reading
Poland, Romania scramble jets as NATO ally records new Russian drone violation, and it’s a definite head-scratcher, isn’t it? The news of yet another Russian drone breach, this time over Romanian airspace, immediately triggers that feeling of “here we go again.” It’s hard not to think about the broader implications, especially when you consider the recent uptick in these incidents. The fact that both Poland and Romania, fellow NATO members, felt the need to scramble their fighter jets speaks volumes about the seriousness of the situation.
From what it looks like, Russia seems to be running a particularly brazen playbook here, akin to what we’ve seen China do regarding Taiwan.… Continue reading
Romania has reported a Russian drone in its airspace, marking the second NATO country to experience such an incursion. The drone was detected by F-16 fighter jets monitoring the border with Ukraine, specifically near the village of Chilia Veche, after the defense ministry noted Russian air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. While the drone did not pose an immediate threat, the EU and Ukrainian President Zelensky have condemned the event as an unacceptable breach of sovereignty and an expansion of the war. Poland, in response to the ongoing concerns, has initiated preventative aviation operations and increased its air defense readiness, while the Czech Republic sent a special operations helicopter unit to Poland.
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In response to recent Russian drone incursions, NATO allies are bolstering Poland’s defense capabilities. France, Germany, and Denmark will provide fighter jets and other military assets, with the UK also expected to contribute to the “Eastern Sentry” mission. This enhanced effort aims to counter Russian drone and missile threats, which have increased in frequency across the Eastern flank. While NATO assesses the recent incidents, which included a significant drone incursion into Poland, the alliance is committed to responding to airspace violations. Concurrently, international efforts to support Ukraine continue, with the UK announcing new sanctions against Russia during a visit by the foreign secretary to Kyiv.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed his staff to identify and punish military personnel and Defense Department affiliates who have mocked or condoned the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Several service members have already been relieved of their duties due to their social media posts, and the Pentagon has urged the public to report any similar content. The department has emphasized that it has zero tolerance for such behavior, while also noting that some posts flagged do not necessarily condone the murder. In response, FEMA has placed an employee on administrative leave for posts critical of Kirk.
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A Navy physician, Cmdr. Janelle Marra, was removed from command after right-wing activists shared screenshots of her LinkedIn profile. Marra, who identified as the “Navy deputy medical director for transgender healthcare” on her profile, was targeted by the account Libs of Tiktok, prompting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to order her removal. The official cause for Marra’s removal was cited as a “loss of trust and confidence in her ability to command” as an investigation into her social media use ensues. A fellow service member, Space Force Col. Bree Fram, described Marra as highly qualified and expressed concern about the targeting.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood