NATO is organizing a unified digital system for tracking the movements of Russian troops on the eastern flank of the alliance in real time. This will involve the use of satellites, drones, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI). The plan under which the project will be implemented is called the "Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative" (EFDI). Its details were published on Wednesday, July 8, by the German newspaper Bild. According to documents reviewed by the publication, all NATO countries will have access to data and analysis results regarding troop movements at the border. This is expected to help the alliance's command better organize a plan to repel a potential attack. In the documents, this system is referred to as the Kill Web. For example, if a drone detects a column of Russian tanks moving towards NATO countries, the system will begin collecting other data from satellite images, radars, and sensors. Based on the information received, the alliance's leadership will see the complete picture and choose the means capable of striking the fastest: for example, UAVs, artillery, or missile systems. "This will not replace tanks, artillery, fighters, or soldiers. The concept is designed to preserve their combat potential and give commanders more time and an advantage in decision-making," said Matt Blubo, a major in the U.S. Army. ## A defensive strip with equipment will appear on NATO's eastern flank To repel a possible attack, the eastern borders of NATO are planned to be equipped with technical devices. It is expected that a strip of equipment will be deployed on the flank, which will be able to engage in combat with advancing troops first—before the U.S. Army is involved. In particular, it is planned to deploy drones, autonomous vehicles, and ground robots. Only after their use does NATO intend to deploy tanks, aviation, and ground forces. ## NATO will invest 27 billion in expanding military pipeline networks The NATO Secretary General announced a multi-billion euro project to supply fuel to the alliance's Eastern European countries and Turkey. According to Mark Rutte, 27 billion euros will be invested in expanding the pipeline network. NATO will invest tens of billions of euros in expanding fuel supply infrastructure. This was stated on Wednesday, July 8, by the alliance's Secretary General Mark Rutte at the conclusion of the NATO summit in Ankara. He called this decision a historic step to strengthen the supply chain, aimed at ensuring the alliance's armed forces have the energy resources necessary to maintain their combat readiness. ## Investments will amount to 27 billion euros "Alliance partners are still working out the final details, but we already know that these investments of 27 billion euros will allow us to modernize our existing infrastructure for fuel storage and distribution, as well as support the construction of new facilities, including pipelines towards the eastern part of the alliance," Rutte indicated. As noted by the dpa agency, due to difficulties in financing this project, its further implementation has recently been in limbo for some countries. The day before, on July 7, Bloomberg reported that NATO countries are close to reaching an agreement to expand the Cold War-era pipeline network that connects military bases in Western Europe to Turkey and Eastern European countries (Poland, the Baltic States, Romania, and Bulgaria). As Bloomberg writes, the need for expansion is related to concerns that the pipelines concentrated in Western Europe will be insufficient to support potential large-scale military operations near Russia's borders. Currently, many countries on the eastern flank of the alliance rely on road and rail transport for fuel—more vulnerable to overloads and attacks. ## NATO: Russia is a "long-term threat to security and stability" In the declaration following the NATO summit, which takes place on July 7 and 8 in the Turkish capital Ankara, it is stated that Russia poses a "long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and stability." "Today in Ankara, we are announcing new purchases totaling over $50 billion and committing to expanding collective production capacities and working with industry to accelerate innovation," the statement notes. NATO emphasized that it is "committed to maintaining the alliance's combat superiority."