NATO has issued a strong warning to Russia, stating it will utilize all necessary means to defend against any further violations of its airspace. This announcement follows the downing of Russian drones over Poland earlier this month and a recent report from Estonia regarding unauthorized incursions by Russian fighter jets.

The incident on September 10 in Poland marked the first direct confrontation between NATO and Russia since the onset of the war in Ukraine. It raised significant concerns among European leaders about the alliance's preparedness in the face of escalating Russian aggression. Just last Friday, Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered its airspace for 12 minutes without permission, a claim that Russia has denied.

In a statement, NATO emphasized, "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." The alliance reiterated its commitment to Article 5 of its founding treaty, which states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted that the decision to shoot down suspect aircraft would depend on the intelligence available regarding the threat they pose. He stated, "We will always assess the situation, assess the immediate threat the plane poses."

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that Poland would "without discussion" shoot down any flying objects that violate its airspace. However, Rutte indicated that not all NATO allies may support this approach, emphasizing the need for careful assessment of each situation.

The NATO statement followed Estonia's request for formal consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows any member to call for a meeting if it believes its security is at risk. Rutte described Estonia's call for talks as "absolutely warranted."

Additionally, Rutte mentioned that it was "too early to say" whether a recent drone incident at Copenhagen Airport, which temporarily shut down airspace around Scandinavia's largest airport, was connected to Russia.

These airspace violations have prompted discussions about NATO's ability to deter Russian actions, especially as President Vladimir Putin continues military operations in Ukraine. The situation has also raised concerns about the commitment of the United States to NATO, following previous warnings from the Trump administration urging Europe to take responsibility for its own security.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked at the United Nations that Russia is testing European borders and undermining the security of the continent, stating, "We see a pattern: Russia is testing European borders, probing our resolve, undermining the security of the whole of Europe. Russia will continue to provoke as long as we allow it."