On September 23, 2025, NATO issued a stern warning to Russia, promising to deploy all necessary military and non-military measures to protect its members.
The statement followed Russia’s repeated airspace violations, labeled as reckless and escalatory.
Estonian Airspace Incident
Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 jets entered its airspace for 12 minutes on September 19, prompting NATO Italian jets to escort them out. Western officials view this as a test of NATO’s alertness and resolve.
Polish Drone Breaches
Days earlier, around 20 Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace, leading NATO to shoot down some and bolster defenses along Europe’s eastern border. Russia denied targeting Poland, claiming the drones attacked Ukrainian military sites.
NATO’s Response
The North Atlantic Council, comprising ambassadors from NATO’s 32 nations, met after Estonia invoked Article 4, which calls for consultation when a member’s security is threatened.
This marks the ninth use of Article 4 in NATO’s 76-year history, with two invocations this month.
Leadership’s Stance
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the Russian jets posed no immediate threat, so they weren’t shot down.
However, he emphasized that commanders can act decisively if needed. “We’re a defensive alliance, but not naive,” Rutte stated, calling Russia’s actions either deliberate or incompetent.
Russia’s Denial
Russia rejected Estonia’s claims, accusing Tallinn of escalating tensions. It also downplayed the Polish incident, insisting no intent to strike Polish targets.
Support for Ukraine
NATO reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine’s self-defense against Russia’s ongoing aggression, vowing not to waver despite Moscow’s provocations.
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