Overview

• After Estonia reported a 12-minute violation by three Russian MiG-31s, the North Atlantic Council condemned a widening pattern of incursions and reaffirmed an ironclad Article 5 commitment.
• NATO’s statement said Russia bears full responsibility and warned the alliance will respond using all necessary military and non-military tools in the manner, timing and domain of its choosing.
• Secretary General Mark Rutte said no immediate threat was assessed in the Estonia case and clarified that engagement decisions rest with NATO’s European joint forces led by Gen. Alexus Grynkewich on a case-by-case basis.
• The alliance has reinforced its eastern defenses under Operation Eastern Sentry following the earlier downing of Russian drones over Poland, as investigations continue into large drones that closed Copenhagen and Oslo airports without a confirmed culprit.
• National leaders toughened rhetoric, with Poland and Sweden warning they will shoot down violators, while President Donald Trump said allies should down intruding Russian aircraft but declined to commit automatic U.S. support.