Russia has been accused by NATO allies at the United Nations of violating air space in Estonia and Poland, sparking concerns of an armed conflict. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that such actions risk direct confrontation between NATO and Russia.
Estonia reported three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered its airspace without permission and stayed for 12 minutes before being forced to leave. Similar incidents in Poland have prompted NATO consultations. Western officials view these actions as a test of NATO’s readiness and resolve. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for robust action against Russia, while US Envoy Michael Waltz emphasized the need for Moscow to defuse tensions.
Russia’s Deputy Ambassador Dmytry Polyanskiy denied the claims, accusing European powers of levying baseless accusations. The United Nations Security Council convened to discuss the issue, with cooperation between Western countries and Ukraine being seen as a potential solution to strengthen air defenses.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-actions-risk-direct-confrontation-with-nato-britain-says-2025-09-22