The Foreign Secretary has told the United Nation Security Council in New York that Russia is risking “direct confrontation” with NATO by violating the alliance’s airspace.
On 10 September Russia launched 19 “suicide drones” which “violated” Polish airspace and were shot down by NATO jets.
On 13 September Russian drones violated Polish and Romanian airspace whilst Ukraine was under a major aerial bombardment.
On 19 September three Russian MIG-31 fighter jets deliberately flew into Estonian airspace, which has been seen yet as another provocation by Vladimir Putin.
Yvette Cooper said that NATO forces will confront Russian aircraft head on if it is deemed necessary.
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Cooper told the UN Security Council, “If we need to confront planes that are operating in NATO airspace without permission, we will do so.”
She said, “At worst, they are a deliberate attempt to undermine the territorial integrity of sovereign nations and European security.
“They risk miscalculation, they open the door to direct armed confrontation between NATO and Russia.”
The British Foreign Secretary told allies, “The United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with you at this time and always.
“To President Putin, I say your reckless actions risk a direct armed confrontation between NATO and Russia. Our alliance is defensive, but be under no illusion, we stand ready to take all steps necessary to defend NATO’s skies and NATO’s territory.
“We are vigilant. We are resolute.”
On Sunday the Czech President Petr Pavel warned there is a “significant escalation to European security” and NATO must stay united and must respond decisively to Russian aggression.
Pavel said that Russia will “quickly realise” that they have overstepped their bounds, but Europe is on the “brink of conflict.”
Pavel said during an interview with the public broadcaster Czech Television, “In these times, we must act firmly, and if violations occur, we must respond accordingly, including militarily.
“Russia will very quickly realize it has made a mistake and overstepped its bounds. Unfortunately, this is balancing on the brink of conflict, but giving in to evil is simply impossible.”
A former FAF commander has called on NATO to draw a “red line” and has suggested Russian aircraft must be shot down.
Air Marshal Greg Bagwell warned on X, “NATO needs to make some clear and public statements as to what it considers a red line.”
