Eastern European leaders have intensified their pressure on President Donald Trump, urging him to retain U.S. military troops along NATO’s eastern border in light of increasing Russian air and drone incursions. Estonia, Lithuania, and Romania are highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong military posture, transitioning from air policing to integrated air and missile defenses, and reinforcing protocols to ensure Russia perceives a robust deterrence. These leaders are also advocating for stricter sanctions and efforts to decrease European reliance on Russian energy, which they contend supports Moscow’s ongoing military campaigns.
The leaders’ appeals coincide with Washington’s consideration of a new national security strategy, which is placing a greater emphasis on homeland defense. Prior to the recent incidents, U.S. officials had advised allies to prepare for a potential reduction in American military presence, encouraging Europe to take a more active role in security. Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized the importance of keeping U.S. troops in the region, stating their presence guarantees peace and conveys a clear message to Vladimir Putin, who is believed to be working towards restoring the former Soviet empire.
Recent events have seen Russian drones detected in Polish and Romanian airspace, while Russian missile-carrying MiG-29s briefly entered Estonian territory. For the ninth time this year, Russian jets were also observed within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone. As the U.S. prepares for a global review of military deployments, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys emphasized that deterrence must be visible, not just theoretical. He stressed that the presence of U.S. troops is crucial, as Russia does not trust plans and protocols but relies on tangible demonstrations of strength.
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu echoed the concerns of her Baltic counterparts, linking the security of the eastern flank to U.S. strategic and financial interests. She highlighted the potential for joint investment in areas such as cyber, energy, and infrastructure under the condition that security is ensured. In response to the latest Russian provocations, NATO has initiated the Eastern Sentry mission, a multidomain operation involving fighter jets, naval assets, and counter-drone systems from multiple allies to address emerging threats and demonstrate flexible deterrence across the eastern flank, from the Baltics to the Black Sea.