European NATO allies have issued a firm warning that they will shoot down any Russian aircraft violating their airspace, following repeated incursions in recent weeks.
Poland’s foreign minister, Radosław Sikorski, addressed the UN Security Council in New York: “If another missile or aircraft enters our space without permission, deliberately or by mistake, and gets shot down and the wreckage falls on NATO territory, please don’t come here to whine about it.”
Poland Confirms Zero Tolerance
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk reinforced the message: “I want to be very clear. We will make a decision to shoot down flying objects without discussion when they violate our territory and fly over Poland. There is no room for debate here.”
Recent Incursions Heighten Tensions
On Friday, Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 jets crossed into its airspace for 12 minutes before being forced to withdraw. The incident followed earlier incursions, including 20 Russian drones shot down over Poland and a drone crossing into Romania.
Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, warned: “Russia clearly feels it can act with impunity in Ukraine, the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the whole of eastern Europe. Russia’s neighbours, not unreasonably, fear they could be next.”
Estonia presented radar records and photographs, with its foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, stating: “The violation is crystal clear, and Russia is lying again, as it has lied before several times. They were carrying missiles and were combat-ready.”
Russia Denies Allegations
Moscow rejected the claims. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov argued that Estonia failed to provide “objective monitoring data” and accused NATO of escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, Britain’s foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “These latest acts are dangerous and reckless. We stand ready to take all steps necessary to defend NATO skies and NATO’s territory.”
US Reassures NATO Allies
Some European allies expressed concern over US President Donald Trump’s muted response. In response, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz reassured: “The United States and our allies will defend every inch of NATO territory. Russia must urgently stop such dangerous behaviour.”
“Either Moscow wants to escalate and pull more countries into this conflict with Ukraine, or it doesn’t have full control of those who operate its fighter planes and drones. Either scenario is very disconcerting.”
Russia’s Mixed Response
In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin warned against a “strategic arms race” but emphasized Russia’s military readiness: “We want to avoid provoking a further strategic arms race.” “We are capable of responding to any threats with military-technical measures.”
The situation underscores the growing tensions between NATO and Russia, with European allies on high alert amid repeated airspace violations.
