The NATO military alliance has responded with a clear and determined reaction to the repeated airspace violations by Russian drones and fighter jets.
In a statement released after consultations in Brussels, the alliance warned Moscow, threatening the use of force, to cease such provocations. All 32 member states stressed they will employ all necessary military and non-military means in accordance with international law to defend themselves and fend off threats from all directions.
The recent incidents involving Russian aircraft violating NATO airspace are considered a dangerous escalation. The alliance warns: these actions increase the risk of misjudgment and could endanger human lives. "This must stop," the statement reads. Read more here:
The statement draws a clear line: in future, NATO may shoot down not only drones, but also Russian fighter jets if they are classified as a threat to the alliance territory. This announcement marks a massive escalation of the conflict and increases the risk of a direct military confrontation between NATO and Russia.