CLAWS Russia Newsletter | 1 – 15 September 2025

This edition covers key developments in the escalating tensions between NATO and Russia, following Russian drone incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace. While Moscow denies any intentional violations, Poland activated NATO’s Article 4, and alliance forces downed several drones, marking NATO’s first direct military action in the Ukraine war. Simultaneously, Russia and Belarus launched the Zapad-2025 joint military exercises near NATO borders, prompting a surge in allied deployments and heightened regional alert. In Ukraine, Russia has intensified its drone warfare and underground infiltration tactics, particularly around Kupyansk, signaling a new phase in the conflict. Beyond Europe, Russia condemned Israeli airstrikes on Doha, calling them a violation of international law and expressing solidarity with Qatar. At the recent SCO Summit, President Putin emphasised strategic partnerships with China and India, pushing for a multipolar global order. These developments reflect a rapidly shifting security landscape with growing risks of escalation on multiple fronts.