Summary
NATO is advised not to shoot down Russian fighter jets if they enter alliance airspace, although some NATO countries have experienced airspace breaches by Russian aircraft. Estonia reported a recent incursion by Russian jets, and several European countries have encountered drone activity believed to involve Russia. Officials stress caution in response to these incidents to avoid escalating tensions.
Key Facts
- A former NATO commander advised against shooting down Russian jets that enter NATO airspace.
- Estonia reported Russian jets breached its airspace for 12 minutes in September.
- Other European countries have experienced drone activity suspected to involve Russia.
- U.S. President Trump suggested NATO may consider shooting down Russian aircraft in some cases.
- The European Commission president also indicated that military action is a possibility.
- Russian President Putin is seen as testing NATO’s response with these incursions.
- Estonia and other NATO nations scrambled fighter jets in response to the airspace violations.
- Russian officials claimed their aircraft followed international airspace rules during the incidents.
