NATO issued a firm warning to Russia on Tuesday, vowing a strong response to repeated airspace violations over allied territories. The statement came after incidents involving Russian fighter jets, drones, and UAVs in Poland, Romania, and Estonia.
The North Atlantic Council (NAC), NATO’s main decision-making body, convened at Estonia’s request under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty to discuss the latest breach. Three armed Russian MiG-31 aircraft entered Estonian airspace on 19 September, remaining for more than ten minutes before being intercepted by allied jets.
Article 5 Warning
In its statement, NATO stressed that Russia “bears full responsibility” for these “escalating and reckless actions” that endanger lives and risk miscalculation. The Alliance underscored that its commitment to Article 5—treating an attack on one ally as an attack on all—remains “unwavering and non-negotiable.”
NATO also announced reinforcement of its eastern defenses through the ongoing “Eastern Sentry” operation, aimed at boosting deterrence and air defense capabilities.
Pattern of Escalation
This was the second time in two weeks that the NAC met under Article 4. On 10 September, the council discussed a large-scale violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. Other recent incursions have affected Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Romania.
“These actions are part of a broader pattern of increasingly irresponsible Russian behavior,” NATO said, adding that it stands in full solidarity with all affected allies.
Norway Reports Breaches for First Time in a Decade
Separately, Norway reported three Russian airspace violations in 2025—the first in more than ten years. The incidents occurred over the Barents Sea in April and August, and over the northern region of Finnmark in July.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said it was unclear whether the incursions were intentional or navigation errors, but stressed: “Regardless of the reason, this is unacceptable, and we have made that clear to the Russian authorities.”
