NATO Ready to Defend Every Inch of Territory Against Russia
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the alliance's readiness to defend all territory after multiple Russian airspace violations. Estonia and Poland invoked NATO's Article 4 following recent incidents, while unknown drones were spotted in Denmark and Norway. The alliance continues strengthening its eastern flank defenses.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte declared the alliance stands ready to defend every inch of NATO territory following multiple Russian airspace violations. Rutte made the statement during a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday.
The North Atlantic Council, NATO's principal decision-making body, convened to discuss responses to repeated incursions by Russian military aircraft into allied airspace. In a written statement, the council promised NATO's response would remain forceful.
Russia should not doubt that NATO and allies will use all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter threats from all directions, the statement read.
Recent incidents include three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entering Estonian airspace for twelve minutes on Friday. This marks the fourth Russian airspace violation over Estonia this year according to Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhna, who called it an exceptional provocation.
Both Estonia and Poland invoked NATO's Article 4 following the violations. Article 4 allows members to request consultations when they feel their territorial integrity or security is threatened.
Earlier in September, Russia sent 20 drones across the Polish border and a Russian drone violated Romanian airspace. The North Atlantic Council stated Russia bears full responsibility for these escalating actions that risk miscalculation and endanger lives.
On Monday evening, three drones were observed near Copenhagen Airport in Denmark, while unknown drones were also spotted in Oslo. Rutte said it's too early to determine if these incidents connect to previous Russian violations.
NATO launched Operation Eastern Sentry on September 12 to strengthen the alliance's eastern flank positions. The operation represents part of NATO's enhanced defensive posture.
What does Article 4 mean for NATO members? It triggers emergency consultations when any ally feels threatened, demonstrating the alliance's collective defense commitment.