Russia Is Testing NATO's Limits and Raising the Stakes — Sibiga
Russia is deliberately testing the readiness of NATO countries by violating their airspace and escalating its provocations. Ukraine’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sibiga, stated that strengthening Ukraine’s air defense also helps protect the Alliance’s eastern flank.
Andriy Sibiga stated that every violation of NATO countries’ airspace by Russian forces should be viewed not as an isolated incident, but as part of Moscow’s broader strategy.
According to Sibiga, Russia is thus trying to gauge how far it can go and how the allies will react. “Russia is testing NATO’s resilience. Each new violation is a test of the allies’ readiness, an attempt to test the limits of what is permissible for Moscow, and a way to raise the stakes ahead of the next provocation,” wrote the Ukrainian foreign minister.
He added that Ukraine has repeatedly witnessed similar behavior from Russia during the full-scale war. “When Russia encounters indecision, it escalates the situation. But when it encounters strength, it changes its calculations,” Sibiga noted.
Threats Extend Beyond Ukraine’s Borders
According to the minister, Ukraine faces far more extensive threats on a daily basis, which are increasingly likely to affect other European countries as well. This is not just about missiles and drones. Sibiga also mentioned sabotage and other forms of hybrid pressure. “Russian missiles and drones, sabotage, and other forms of hybrid pressure are all components of the same strategy,” he emphasized.
At the same time, he said, Ukraine has significant practical experience in combating such threats. “Ukraine has unique combat experience in detecting, intercepting, and countering these threats and is ready to share it with its allies,” Sibiga stated.
Ukrainian Air Defense Is Important for NATO, Too
The Foreign Minister specifically addressed the debate over whether NATO countries should simultaneously strengthen their own defenses and assist Ukraine. According to Sibiga, these are not conflicting objectives. On the contrary, they are directly linked. “In fact, they reinforce one another. A better-protected Ukrainian sky strengthens NATO’s eastern flank,” he explained.
According to the minister, the more effectively Ukraine intercepts Russian missiles and drones, the fewer opportunities Russia has to further expand its threats beyond Ukraine’s borders. At the same time, a more decisive response from NATO countries, in Sibiga’s view, should show Moscow that provocations will not go unpunished. “A more decisive response from NATO limits Russia’s ability to further escalate the situation. That is precisely why strengthening Ukraine’s air defense is crucial for the security of the entire region,” he noted.
Sibiga emphasized that Russia must receive a clear message: attempts to test the allies’ readiness must not lead to division. “Every attempt to test our collective resolve will make Ukraine and NATO stronger, better prepared, and more united—not the opposite,” the foreign minister concluded. He posted this on the social media platform “X.”
Ukraine has appealed to NATO for international assistance to conduct humanitarian demining in war-affected areas.
