Moscow has warned NATO that any attempt to shoot down Russian planes would be treated as an act of war, a chilling message that underscores rising tensions across Europe.
The warning came from Alexey Meshkov, Russia’s ambassador to France, who stated in an interview with RTL: “If our aircraft are gunned down, that would be war.” His remarks followed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump at the United Nations, where he said NATO members had the right to shoot down Russian aircraft violating their airspace.
Rising Airspace Violations
Poland has already shot down multiple Russian drones during attacks on Ukraine earlier this month the first time Russian drones were intercepted over NATO territory since the war began in 2022. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the situation as the most dangerous Europe has faced since World War Two.
Warsaw is fast-tracking legislation that would allow its military to take immediate action against hostile drones or aircraft without prior NATO or EU approval, adopting a “shoot first, ask later” stance.
Estonia reported its airspace was breached by three Russian fighter jets on Friday, while Romania confirmed a similar drone incursion. In Denmark, a swarm of drones forced the temporary closure of Copenhagen airport, with Western officials blaming Moscow for the disruptions.
NATO and Western Response
NATO has scrambled fighter jets multiple times in recent weeks to intercept Russian aircraft near allied borders. In the UK, the Royal Navy deployed HMS Iron Duke and a Wildcat helicopter to shadow a Russian frigate and cargo ship moving through the North Sea and the English Channel. Defence Minister Luke Pollard warned: “Russian warships are increasingly transiting through the English Channel. The Royal Navy stands ready 24/7 to protect UK waters and undersea cables.”
Kremlin Denials
Despite the growing number of incidents, Moscow has denied involvement in recent airspace violations. Meshkov accused the West of exaggerating and insisted Russia does not “play games” with NATO, though he admitted Western planes also cross into Russian airspace.
A Fragile Security Situation
Analysts warn that miscalculation on either side could ignite a broader conflict. With Europe on edge and NATO allies calling for unity, the risk of escalation between Russia and the West has not been this high in decades.
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