NATO vows decisive response to Russian airspace violations

NATO has reaffirmed its commitment to respond firmly to Russia’s reckless actions, following recent incursions into Allied airspace.

According to a statement issued by the North Atlantic Council, the Council convened on the morning of September 23 at Estonia’s request under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty to consult on and strongly condemn Russia’s dangerous violation of Estonian airspace on September 19.

“The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) briefed the Council on this incident in which three armed Russian MiG-31 aircraft violated Estonian airspace for over ten minutes. NATO’s response was quick and decisive. Allied aircraft were scrambled to intercept and escort them from Estonian airspace,” the statement said.

The Council emphasised that this violation is part of a wider pattern of increasingly irresponsible Russian behaviour. This is the second time in two weeks that the North Atlantic Council has convened under Article 4. On September 10, consultations were held in response to a large-scale violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. Several other Allies, including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Romania, have also recently experienced airspace violations by Russia. NATO expressed full solidarity with all Allies whose airspace has been breached.

“Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which are escalatory, risk miscalculation, and endanger lives. They must stop,” the statement said.

NATO reiterated that its response to Russia’s reckless actions will remain robust. On 12 September, the alliance launched the “Eastern Sentry” operation to bolster NATO’s posture along the entire Eastern flank. The Council pledged to continue reinforcing capabilities and strengthening deterrence and defence measures, including effective air defence systems.

“Russia should be in no doubt: NATO and Allies will employ, in accordance with international law, all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter all threats from all directions. We will continue to respond in the manner, timing, and domain of our choosing. Our commitment to Article 5 is ironclad,” the Council emphasised.

Finally, NATO reaffirmed its enduring support for Ukraine. “Allies will not be deterred by these and other irresponsible acts by Russia from their enduring commitments to support Ukraine, whose security contributes to ours, in the exercise of its inherent right to self-defence against Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war of aggression,” the statement concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova