{
  "id": 2337113,
  "title": "‘Don’t Even Think About It’: Ex-Danish FM Warns Russia Amid NATO Drills",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/dont-even-think-about-it-ex-danish-fm-warns-russia-amid-nato-drills",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T08:12:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Kyiv Post",
    "slug": "kyiv-post",
    "url": "https://www.kyivpost.com/post/82810"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod expressed concerns to TVP World about Russia's potential to provoke NATO, as NATO military drills commenced near Russia's Kaliningrad exclave. Kofod emphasized the need for Nordic countries to be resilient and rehearse their military forces. He cautioned the Russian government against provoking a response from NATO, stating, \"They shouldn't even think about that idea.\" Kofod highlighted the United States' continued presence in Europe, noting the participation of US forces in the drills, which demonstrated Washington's commitment to European security. While praising the military build-up in the Nordic countries, Kofod called for a faster increase in defense spending, urging NATO nations to reach 5% of their GDP for defense. He also stressed the importance of strengthening air defenses, particularly in light of Russia's deadly attack on Kyiv that killed at least 16 people. Nordic leaders, meeting in Copenhagen, were discussing common air defense as a solution, with Kofod arguing that pooling national capabilities could deter Russia. Additionally, he advocated for enhanced protection of critical infrastructure, such as electricity grids, pipelines, and oil facilities, as Russia continues its hybrid warfare tactics. Kofod urged Europe to bolster its defensive capabilities while simultaneously supporting Ukraine, especially with air defense systems, warning that Russia might escalate attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure before winter.",
  "summary": "NATO’s Nordic allies are strengthening military readiness and air defenses as tensions with Russia persist. Former Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod urged faster defense spending, closer regional cooperation and stronger protection of critical infrastructure. He said NATO exercises near Kaliningrad demonstrate readiness to respond, while stressing continued military and air-defense support for…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}