British jets ready to confront Russian planes in NATO airspace, UK foreign secretary tells UN

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told the UN Security Council on Monday that British Typhoon jets are prepared to confront Russian aircraft operating in NATO airspace as Moscow steps up incursions. Cooper described the incursions as a deliberate effort to undermine the territorial integrity of sovereign nations and European security, warning they risk miscalculation and could lead to direct armed confrontation between NATO and Russia. That concern followed Friday's entry of three Russian MiG-31 fighters into Estonian airspace, staying about 12 minutes before NATO fighters from Italy intercepted the threat, part of NATO's Eastern Sentry mission. Similar incidents involved Russian drones over Poland and Romania in recent weeks. Poland's prime minister Donald Tusk warned he would shoot down objects violating its airspace, saying there was no discussion about that. In response to the incidents, the UK said it would join Eastern Sentry; RAF Typhoon jets would participate. The first mission over Poland went ahead on Friday.

Cooper's remarks came as Estonia said three Russian fighter jets violated its airspace on Friday, a move Moscow disputed as false. Poland reported that 19 to 23 drones entered its airspace on September 9 during missile strikes on Ukraine. Poland described that episode as an act of aggression, while Western officials warned Moscow was testing the West's resolve. In Warsaw, Tusk asserted that Poland would shoot down flying objects entering its territory and would not hesitate even if some actions could risk escalation. He cautioned that if confrontations were not clearly agreed with allies, Poland would not bear sole risk if a wider clash unfolded. He also stressed the need to be certain that allies would respond in the same way.

Dmitry Medvedev, a deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council and former president, warned that any attempt to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine and permit NATO aircraft to shoot down Russian UAVs would spell war between NATO and Russia. NATO members have warned that Moscow may be probing alliance readiness for a broader conflict. The incursions came as Russia held joint Zapad drills with Belarus, a exercise seen by many as a prelude to larger operations.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal condemned the move and said NATO's response must be united and strong, adding that consultations with allies are essential to ensure shared situational awareness and to decide on next steps. Ukraine has requested attendance at the UNSC meeting, noting that the issue threatens European stability. The United States declined to comment in detail on the specifics but at times indicated it would stand with its allies in the Baltics and Eastern Europe. The UN Security Council was set to meet for emergency talks on Monday to discuss what Estonia called a blatant and flagrant violation of NATO airspace.

The region has also seen related air activity in the region of the Baltic and North Seas, with Sweden and Germany reporting that Swedish JAS 39 Gripen and German Eurofighter jets observed a Russian IL-20 reconnaissance aircraft in international airspace, with Moscow reportedly refusing contact. Analysts say the incidents underscore a broader pattern of escalation and testing of alliance resolve as Western leaders call for a firm response.

In the United States, former President Donald Trump weighed in by expressing support for backing Poland and the Baltic states if tensions worsen, saying he would back such moves. Meanwhile, Czech President Petr Pavel urged NATO to be ready to respond decisively to any Russian airspace violations, including shooting down planes if necessary. Estonia's foreign minister Margus Tsahkna warned that the situation requires steadfast unity among allies to deter further provocations. The last time a NATO member shot down a Russian jet was in 2015 in Turkey, an incident that reshaped NATO-Turkey relations and raised broader concerns about alliance cohesion under pressure.