NATO countries are considering relaxing rules for pilots patrolling the alliance's eastern borders to allow them to fire on targets that intrude into the airspace of their members, sources told the Financial Times.

According to the newspaper, such measures are being discussed amid increasing provocations by Russian military aircraft and drones, including recent incursions into zones over Estonia, Poland, and Romania, which Russia denies. This could include simplifying procedures for intercepting and neutralizing threats without additional approval.

Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated regarding the incidents:

"We are not naive, and we see what is happening - whether it is intentional or due to sheer incompetence."

The alliance has already strengthened Operation Eastern Sentry to monitor the eastern flank, but specific changes to the rules have not yet been approved.