NATO chief Ursula von der Leyen has stated that the option of shooting down Russian aircraft that intrude into NATO airspace cannot be ruled out, following reports of alleged incursions by Moscow. This statement comes amid growing concerns over recent incidents, with Poland and Estonia accusing Russia of airspace violations. Both countries have called for a firm response, while Russia has denied the allegations, calling them ‘Russophobic hysteria.’
The move comes after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte outlined the alliance’s procedures for responding to such incidents, stating that decisions on whether to engage intruding aircraft are made ‘in real time and are always based on available intelligence regarding the threat posed.’ Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski warned at an emergency UN Security Council meeting this week that any future intrusion would be met with force. He emphasized that NATO members would not hesitate to act, even if the incursion was unintentional, and warned against any attempts to use such incidents as justification for further international criticism.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the UK stood ready to take all steps necessary to defend NATO skies and the alliance’s territory. She stated, ‘If we need to confront planes operating in NATO airspace without permission, we will.’ Meanwhile, Russia has rejected the accusations, with Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky calling them ‘Russophobic hysteria’ designed to pressure Washington into a more confrontational policy.
The situation remains contentious, with Warsaw still needing to provide conclusive evidence that the drones involved were Russian in origin. Polyansskey also pointed out that the only confirmed damage from the Polish incident was actually caused by a missile fired from a NATO F-16, which struck a residential building. For the allegations regarding the Baltic region, Russian officials insist that the jets conducting the flights did not stray from the agreed route and did not cross into Estonian airspace. This denial has fueled further speculation about the credibility of the accusations and the potential for diplomatic friction between NATO and Russia.