As tensions between Russia and NATO escalate, Russia has issued a chilling warning that shooting down its military jets would amount to an open act of war, potentially sparking World War III. The warning follows several recent airspace violations by Russian aircraft over NATO territories.
Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered its airspace for around 12 minutes, an incident described by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna as “unprecedentedly brazen.” Poland also intercepted multiple Russian drones violating its airspace, prompting diplomatic consultations under NATO’s Article 4, which necessitates alliance-wide discussions when a member’s territorial integrity is threatened.
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In response to increasing incursions, former U.S. President Donald Trump advocated that NATO countries should shoot down Russian jets violating their airspace. Russia’s ambassador to France, Alexey Meshkov, condemned such actions, stating, “If NATO shoots down any of our aircraft, that would be war.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov further accused NATO and the European Union of engaging in a proxy war against Russia through Ukraine, accusing the West of direct participation in hostilities.
The volatile situation raises alarm across Europe and the world as military brinkmanship intensifies, with experts warning that miscalculations could trigger a catastrophic conflict.
