Russia has already invaded the airspace of at least six EU countries. They are Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Romania, and Poland, all of which are also NATO members, an organization whose Article 5 states that if an Ally is attacked, it will be considered an attack against the entire Alliance. Therefore, although that tool has not yet been activated, Secretary-General Mark Rutte wanted to be very clear on Tuesday in Brussels.
"Russia should have no doubt: NATO and the Allies will, in accordance with international law, use all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter all threats from all directions. We will continue to respond in the manner, time, and scope we choose. Our commitment to Article 5 is unwavering," he said at a press conference held at the Organization's headquarters. "Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which carry the risk of miscalculation and endanger lives. They must cease," he added.
In addition, Denmark is investigating whether the drones that flew over Copenhagen last Monday, forcing the closure of the capital's airport, are also Russian. "The Danes are evaluating exactly what happened. It is too early to comment," Rutte pointed out when asked about this issue. A similar incident occurred in the capital of Norway, Oslo, and on Tuesday the EU went much further than the NATO Secretary-General: the European Commission is confident that the authorship is Russian and has condemned their "reckless actions."
"We still have to wait for the final result. But what we have seen over the past few weeks points to Russia regarding its reckless actions in at least three Member States," said EU Foreign Affairs spokesperson Anitta Hipper during the daily press conference of the European Commission, referring to Poland, Romania, and Estonia. "What we have seen regarding Russia is that it has not only accidentally violated the airspace of EU Member States but it is an intentional violation of European airspace, and here we see a clear pattern," emphasized the EU official.
"I just spoke with Prime Minister Frederiksen about the drone incursion around Copenhagen airport. Although the facts are still being clarified, it is clear that we are witnessing a pattern of persistent challenge at our borders. Our critical infrastructure is at risk. And Europe will respond to this threat with firmness and determination," later stated Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on her X social media profile.
Returning to Rutte's intervention, the Secretary-General's language was tough but did not reach, by any means, the level shown by Poland yesterday. During his intervention at the UN Security Council, the country's Foreign Minister, Radek Sikorski, stated that his nation will shoot down drones or even aircraft that violate its airspace. "They have been warned, don't come here later crying," he asserted.
And regarding the specific case of Russian fighter jets entering Estonia, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands explained that the threat did not escalate because it did not pose an "immediate threat". "NATO forces quickly intercepted and escorted the aircraft without escalation," he stated.