East Front News #75: Putin in New Delhi; NATO without US?

Terrorist threats to Poland in the shadow of the war in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has reshaped Poland’s security environment in ways that go beyond conventional military risks. While Poland has so far avoided large-scale terrorist attacks, the convergence of hybrid warfare, regional instability and transnational extremism is eroding this sense of insulation. Russia’s use of sabotage, disinformation and proxy actors, combined with the circulation of weapons and combat experience linked to the Ukrainian battlefield, creates conditions in which terrorism-related threats can no longer be treated as hypothetical. As a frontline NATO state and a key logistical hub supporting Ukraine, Poland has become more visible on the strategic map of both state and non-state hostile actors.

Looking beyond the end of the war, the post-conflict period may bring additional challenges. The return of radicalised individuals and battle-hardened fighters, growing societal polarisation, and the interaction between extremist milieus and migration dynamics could all contribute to an elevated risk of terrorist activity. While this does not mean that Poland is destined to follow the trajectory of states such as France or the United Kingdom, it does underline the need for sustained vigilance. Effective counterterrorism in the coming years will depend on close international cooperation, robust intelligence-sharing, and policies that address both hard security threats and the social factors that extremist actors seek to exploit.

Author: dr Aleksander Olech

Finland is strengthening its anti-drone defence

This week it was announced that Helsinki purchased hundreds of SkyWiper Omni Max drone jammers, from Lithuania’s NT Service, hand-held Airfence drone detectors developed by Finnish firm Sensofusion, as well as Smash add-on rifle sights produced by Israel-based Smartshoote. According to the Finnish Defence Forces this equipment is designed to protect critical infrastructure e.g military bases. Moreover, such technologies are a crucial component of force protection, as they prevent hostile drones from operating over Finnish troops. Worth to mention that Helsinki currently operates a fleet of nearly 1,000 reconnaissance drones - primarily manufactured in the United States and domestically and plans to train up to 500 new drone pilots annually.

As part of NATO’s eastern flank, Finland continues to strengthen its defence in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the recent surge in hybrid threats, including drone attacks on Poland in September 2025. It should be also hihglighted that Finland stands out for its holistic approach to security, which encompasses both military and civilian development, involving cooperation between state institutions, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and individual citizens.

Author: Amelia Wojciechowska

Three Polish companies selected for 2026 DIANA Challenge Programme

DIANA, NATO’s organization for disruptive dual-use technology development, has announced 150 companies selected for its 2026 DIANA Challenge Programme. Among them are three Polish innovators: Vidoc Security Lab, working on securing human and AI generated code; Perf Drone Systems, developing secure, long-range drone radio communications; and Quantum Quest, devising modular autopilots for autonomous underwater systems.

The companies will receive resources, networks, and guidance, including €100,000 in initial funding and access to a network of over 200 accelerators and test centers to develop their solutions. If successful, they have a chance to receive additional funding, scale up and operationalize their innovations, and secure first contracts with end-users.

Author: Kacper Kremiec

A silent chemical threat beneath the Baltic Sea

More than eight decades after the end of World War II, the Baltic Sea continues to conceal a largely forgotten legacy of conflict: tens of thousands of tons of chemical weapons and vast quantities of conventional ammunition dumped on the seabed. Originally intended as a quick

and permanent disposal solution, these munitions now pose a growing security and environmental risk. Corroding containers filled with sulfur mustard, arsenic-based agents and other toxic substances are beginning to leak, threatening marine ecosystems, coastal populations and critical infrastructure in one of Europe’s most heavily trafficked and strategically important maritime regions.

The danger is no longer theoretical. Intensified naval activity, expanding offshore energy projects and undersea construction works increase the likelihood of accidental disturbance of these munitions. In a semi-enclosed sea with limited water exchange, even a localized release could have long-lasting consequences across national borders. While there is no evidence of deliberate sabotage, the presence of this submerged arsenal adds an often-overlooked dimension to Baltic security, underscoring the need for coordinated international monitoring, risk mitigation and long-term remediation efforts among NATO and EU coastal states.

Author: Mateusz Gibała

Putin in New Delhi: symbolism first, substance elsewhere

President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India drew global attention through its lavish protocol and carefully choreographed symbolism, but the real significance of the trip lies beyond the ceremonial optics. The extended welcome underscored the enduring political ties between Moscow and New Delhi, while also sending a calculated signal to Western capitals. Yet behind closed doors, Russia had limited new offers to place on the table. Bilateral relations remain dominated by arms cooperation and, above all, India’s large-scale purchases of discounted Russian crude oil — a relationship born more of wartime necessity than long-term strategic convergence.

At the same time, India continues to balance its engagement with Russia against deepening economic and technological cooperation with Western partners. Negotiations with the European Union on a free-trade agreement and ongoing dialogue with the United States highlight where New Delhi sees its future sources of growth and innovation. For India, maintaining ties with Moscow serves primarily as diplomatic leverage rather than a strategic alternative to the West. Putin’s visit, rich in protocol but modest in tangible outcomes, illustrates the limits of Russia’s

economic appeal — and India’s determination to keep all major powers engaged while prioritising partnerships that deliver advanced technology and sustained investment.

Author: prof. Adam Burakowski

Could the United States walk away from NATO?

A proposal introduced in the U.S. Congress calling for American withdrawal from NATO has reignited debate about Washington’s long-term commitment to the Alliance. The bill, put forward by a Republican lawmaker, frames NATO as a Cold War remnant that no longer serves U.S. national interests and argues that Europe should assume full responsibility for its own defence. Although such initiatives regularly appear on the margins of American politics, the timing is notable, coming amid ongoing war in Ukraine, rising tensions with Russia and a strategic shift in U.S. focus toward the Indo-Pacific.

In practical terms, the likelihood of the United States leaving NATO remains low. The Alliance continues to play a central role in U.S. global strategy, from deterrence in Europe to burden-sharing among allies, and it has repeatedly adapted to new threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks and China’s growing influence. Still, proposals like this one resonate with broader debates in Washington about defence spending, alliance obligations and strategic priorities. For European allies, they serve as a reminder that U.S. engagement cannot be taken for granted and that strengthening Europe’s own military capabilities remains an essential hedge against political uncertainty across the Atlantic.

Author: Michał Górski

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East Front News is a weekly newsletter and article on Defence24.com summarizing the past week’s most important events concerning security and the situation in the Central and Eastern Europe region. It includes original opinions and comments, along with key news items significant from a Polish perspective.