NATO has condemned recent Russian military flights over Estonian airspace, following an Article 4 meeting in Brussels. The alliance promises a robust response, emphasizing the need to deter threats from all directions. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that allied forces acted swiftly to escort the Russian planes out of the airspace, ensuring no direct threat was posed.
NATO Condemns Russian Airspace Violations
NATO Condemns Russian Airspace Violations
NATO has condemned Russian overflights following another Article 4 meeting in Brussels. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte held a press conference regarding the Russian violations.
The ambassadors of the 32 NATO countries gathered in Brussels on Tuesday morning after Estonia called for an Article 4 meeting.
The reason: On Friday, three Russian military aircraft flew into Estonian airspace. According to the Estonian government, the Russian planes remained in Estonian airspace for twelve minutes.
NATO now promises a "robust response."
"Russia bears full responsibility for this escalating behavior, which risks misinterpretation and endangers lives. They must stop," stated a joint declaration after the meeting.
"NATO and its member countries will use all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter threats from all directions," the organization wrote.
"No Direct Threat"
During a press conference, Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO allies acted precisely as they should and will continue to act against Russia's violations.
"We do not want to see a continuation of this dangerous path Russia has taken, intentional or not," he said.
He mentioned that NATO forces were quick to escort the Russian planes out of the airspace.
"There was no direct threat. What happened was that Swedish, Finnish, and Italian aircraft actively ensured that the three planes moved out of Estonian airspace."
In response to questions about how NATO protects its airspace, the Secretary General stated that they will always work to de-escalate the situation but are ready to act if necessary in the event of a direct threat.
"If necessary, we will shoot down planes."