Protect NATO’s Eastern Flank Before It Is Too Late

Protect NATO’s Eastern Flank Now Confront Russia’s Escalating Airspace Violations On September 19, 2025, three Russian MiG-31 jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes before NATO F-35s forced them out. This fourth breach shows Moscow is testing NATO’s radar, response, and political will. Estonia’s skies are Europe’s front line, and these incursions test NATO credibility. Recognize The U.S. Stakes In NATO’s Credibility NATO is anchored by Article 5: an attack on one Ally is an attack on all. Deterrence works only if the U.S. shows visible commitment with resources. Failure to respond invites cyber, disinformation, or military escalation. The Baltics cannot deter alone. U.S. leadership now avoids higher costs later. Reinforce Proven Tools Of Deterrence Baltic Air Policing shows NATO readiness, intercepting violators 24/7. Exercises like BALTOPS (naval and air power in the Baltic) and Defender Europe (deploy and integrate land forces) are vital tests. Both show Moscow the Alliance can reinforce the eastern flank at scale and speed. Prepositioned stocks, infrastructure, and rotations are effective deterrents. Fund The Priorities Congress Must Deliver 1. Fully fund and expand the FY2025 European Deterrence Initiative. The $2.91 billion request sustains presence, training, infrastructure, and partner capacity. Congress must meet or exceed this figure. 2. Codify and fund the Baltic Security Initiative (S. 1009, 119th Congress) to strengthen air defense, surveillance, cyber resilience, and border security in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Bipartisan work requires swift passage. 3. Maintain NATO toplines in the FY2025 NDAA and appropriations so U.S. forces can surge rapidly and exercise with Allies. Acknowledge Allies Bearing Burdens In 2025, all 32 Allies will meet the 2 percent pledge. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland spend nearly 3 percent, hardening borders and modernizing forces. These nations ask only for U.S. partnership. U.S. credibility depends on equal resolve. Act Now To Prevent Escalation And War Russia is probing NATO’s defenses. History shows unchecked probing leads to escalation and war. The surest way to preserve peace is to act now. Congress must fund EDI, pass the Baltic Security Initiative, and sustain NATO policing and exercises. Deterrence costs far less than conflict, and delay sends the wrong signal.