Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
  • Analysis
    • Policy Papers
    • Symposia
    • Q&A
    • Polls
    • Grand Strategy Explained
    • Target Taiwan
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / NATO / As Russia and Ukraine press drone war, NATO finds itself caught in crossfire
NATO, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

June 5, 2026

As Russia and Ukraine press drone war, NATO finds itself caught in crossfire

It was a bit of a “sorry, not sorry” moment, though, as Ukraine’s strikes deep in its occupier’s own territory—hitting critical oil infrastructure and sometimes raising costs for average Russians—are a big success as far as Kyiv is concerned, notes Benjamin Friedman, policy director at the Defense Priorities think tank in Washington.

But given Russia’s reluctance to fire into NATO territory, and the security guarantees that come with NATO membership, Eastern front countries are more protected from Russia than they often acknowledge, Mr. Friedman says.

They might tell Ukraine to “cut it out,” and to use the resources to instead conduct these strikes on the front lines or “more tactically relevant targets,” Mr. Friedman notes. But he adds that Kyiv likely won’t listen, unless the United States or one of the “big countries” like Germany pushes the matter.

Read at Christian Science Monitor

Featuring

Photo of Benjamin Friedman

Benjamin
Friedman

Policy Director

Defense Priorities

More on Eurasia

Op-edNATO, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia

Bring the Troops Home, Mr. President

By Anthony Constantini

July 16, 2026

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Daniel Davis discusses Russian strikes into the Black Sea on NBC News

Featuring Daniel Davis

July 14, 2026

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

UNRWA fight overshadows Brussels donor summit

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

July 10, 2026

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

China Again Warns Russia Not to Use Nuclear Arms Against Ukraine

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

July 10, 2026

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Trump’s Last Chance for Ukraine Peace

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

July 9, 2026

In the mediaUkraine, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine‑Russia

Experts say Trump’s plan to license Patriot missiles for Ukraine could take years

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

July 9, 2026

Events on NATO

See All Events
virtualNATO, Alliances, Burden sharing, Europe and Eurasia, Grand strategy

Assessing the 2026 NDS: Will it usher in burden shifting?

February 9, 2026
virtualNATO, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

A ‘bridge’ to NATO or false hope for Ukraine?

July 12, 2024
virtualNATO, Alliances, Deterrence, Europe and Eurasia, Nuclear weapons

New York for Paris? NATO and extended deterrence in a new nuclear age

July 2, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • Experts
  • Papers
  • Symposia
  • Q&A
  • Polls
  • Events
  • Media
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Donate
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.