NATO Pledges to Strengthen Defenses in Eastern Europe

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Tuesday that the alliance will continue to adjust its military presence on its eastern flank "as needed," following a drone attack targeting two ships off the coast of Bulgaria in the Black Sea.

Rutte added, in a statement posted on the "X" platform after talks with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev: "We have already strengthened our defensive posture on the eastern flank, and we will continue to monitor the security situation, adjusting deterrence and defense capabilities as needed," according to Reuters.

Earlier, Rutte stated in remarks that Russia's multi-vector attacks on NATO countries would not weaken the alliance's support for Ukraine.

He noted the continuation of Russia's campaign of "hostile acts" against NATO members, viewing it as an attempt by Moscow to weaken the alliance's unity and undermine its support for Ukraine.

Rutte emphasized that the nature of the threat is changing, especially with drone incidents on NATO's eastern flank, pointing out the need to strengthen air and missile defenses and adapt to the growing threat posed by drones.