We will use all means of defense, NATO warns Russia

On Tuesday, NATO warned Russia that it would use “all necessary military and non-military means” to defend itself. The warning came after three Russian MiG-31 jets violated Estonian airspace, remaining there for 12 minutes before being escorted out by Italian NATO fighter jets.

The incident occurred just one week after around 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace.
Estonia invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty. This is only the ninth time in NATO's 76-year history that this article has been invoked – and already the second time this month following the incidents over Poland and Estonia.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that the alliance's commanders had the authority to shoot down Russian aircraft if they were deemed a threat.

At the UN General Assembly meeting, US President Donald Trump supported the shooting down of Russian aircraft in the event of airspace violations. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, on the other hand, warned against such demands, describing them as “reckless.”

The member states also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and the strengthening of the alliance's eastern flank.

(reuters, max)