The United States-led Nato alliance has launched a large-scale military drill in Poland, showcasing its strength in response to recent joint exercises by Russia and Belarus. The exercise, named Iron Gate, involved 30,000 troops supported by tanks, helicopters and fighter jets.
Polish military officials said the exercise was designed to ensure readiness against a potential attack from the east. They added that the manoeuvre was held as part of the ongoing Iron Defender series of drills, reports .
The Nato show of force comes days after Russia and Belarus conducted their own joint exercise, Zapad-2025. That drill included the participation of allied states such as India, Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali.
Even as tensions rise, Russia continues its relentless assault on Ukraine. Kyiv said that so far this month Russian forces have launched around 3,500 drones and nearly 200 rockets. Strikes were reported in Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Sumy on Wednesday, leaving several casualties.
Ukraine has also stepped up counterattacks, targeting Russian energy facilities. Explosions and fires were reported at multiple gas sites, though no casualties were confirmed. Russia’s state-run oil pipeline operator warned that production may need to be reduced if the strikes continue.
Meanwhile, the United States has announced a new $50 million military assistance package for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky said it includes Patriot air defence systems and HIMARS rockets.
He also noted that Nato’s coordinated trust fund has already disbursed $2 billion for Ukraine and is expected to reach $3.5 billion by October. Kyiv plans to use the funds primarily to procure US-made weapons.
