Polish air force

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a strategy to involve aircraft from NATO countries bordering Ukraine in repelling Russian missile attacks without triggering direct military involvement. In an interview with Reuters, he outlined his concept, emphasizing the potential for NATO allies to contribute to air defense efforts until the promised delivery of F-16 fighter jets.

Turkish photographer Cem Doğut has won an aerial photography contest on NATO Air Command's official X account by receiving the most number of votes on his F-16 photo.

Turkish and US fighter jets have taken up NATO air policing duties this week to guard the skies over Poland and Iceland, a NATO spokesperson said on July 7. 

"We thank our Allies the United States and Turkey for contributing to NATO's air policing missions," Oana Lungescu said in a statement.

Russian intervention in Ukraine has provided increased impetus toward military modernization efforts in Eastern Europe.

On a four-day trip to Europe, US President Barack Obama has assured Poland and its Eastern European neighbours that America remains committed to their security.

Amid concern in the region over the wider strategic implications of Russian involvement in the crisis in Ukraine, Obama said: “As friends and allies we stand united together.”