We express our full solidarity with all Allies whose airspace has been violated. Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which escalate tensions, risk miscalculation, and endanger lives. They must stop – announced the North Atlantic Council (NAC), NATO’s highest decision-making body, after today’s meeting. It was emphasized that the commitments under Article 5 remain unwavering.
Last week we reported on the planned meeting of the North Atlantic Council in connection with the violation of Estonian airspace by Russian aircraft.
The North Atlantic Council is NATO’s most important decision-making body. It consists of representatives of all member states of the Alliance (usually ambassadors to NATO, but if necessary also foreign ministers, defense ministers, or heads of state and government).
The meeting took place this morning. During the session, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) presented details regarding Russia’s airspace violation, pointing out that “NATO’s response was swift and resolute,” and that Allied aircraft intercepted and escorted the Russian planes. “This incursion is part of a broader pattern of increasingly irresponsible Russian behavior. This is already the second meeting of the North Atlantic Council within two weeks, convened under Article 4. On September 10, the Council held consultations in response to the massive violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. Several other Allies – including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Romania – have also recently experienced Russian airspace violations. We express our full solidarity with all Allies whose airspace has been violated. Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which escalate tensions, risk miscalculation, and endanger lives. They must stop,” the North Atlantic Council statement read.
It was underlined that NATO’s response will continue to be “resolute,” and reference was made to the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry.
“We will strengthen our capabilities and our deterrence and defense posture, including through effective air defense. Russia should have no doubt: NATO and the Allies, in accordance with international law, will employ all necessary military and non-military means to defend and deter against threats from all directions,” it was stated.
The North Atlantic Council stressed that “our commitment to Article 5 remains unwavering.”
It was also emphasized that Allies will not be deterred by Russia’s actions from continuing to support Ukraine.