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1h ago

NATO Warns Russia After Estonia Airspace Breach, Vows to Defend Allies

Allies convened under Article 4 after Estonia reported a 12-minute MiG-31 incursion.

President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City (Photo: Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

Overview

  • Following Estonia’s request, the North Atlantic Council met on Sept. 23 and pledged to use “all necessary military and non-military tools,” calling its Article 5 commitment ironclad.
  • Allied jets intercepted the three MiG-31s without escalation, and NATO said real-time engagement decisions rest with military commanders, including top commander Gen. Alexus Grynkewich.
  • NATO framed the breach as part of a wider pattern that included roughly 20 Russian drones entering Polish airspace on Sept. 10 and recent violations reported by Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Romania.
  • Copenhagen and Oslo temporarily closed airports on Sept. 22 after drone sightings; Danish officials said a capable actor was likely and did not rule out Russian involvement as investigations continue.
  • Frontline members hardened stances as Poland and Sweden warned they will shoot down future intrusions and Lithuania moved to speed drone shoot-downs, while Russia denied any Estonian breach and President Trump urged allies to down violators but made U.S. backing conditional.