UK Warns Russia It Will Intercept Planes Violating NATO Airspace
UNITED NATIONS – The United Kingdom has directly warned Russia it will confront any of its aircraft that violate NATO airspace,Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper declared at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council yesterday,September 22,2025. Cooper addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin directly, condemning his “reckless actions” and emphasizing NATO’s readiness to defend its territory.
The warning comes amid escalating tensions following recent incursions of Russian drones into the airspace of Poland, Romania, and Estonia – actions Cooper characterized as risking “miscalculation” and potentially a deliberate attempt to undermine European security. The UK’s firm stance signals a heightened alert level within the alliance and underscores the potential for direct confrontation as the war in Ukraine continues to fuel regional instability.
“To President Putin, I say: your reckless actions risk a direct armed confrontation between Nato and Russia,” Cooper stated. “Our alliance is defensive. We stand ready to take all steps necessary to defend Nato’s skies and Nato’s territory. We are vigilant. We are resolute. And if we need to confront planes that are operating in Nato airspace without permission then we will do so.”
Cooper further asserted that the Russian drone violations “risk miscalculation” and “open the door to direct armed confrontation between Nato and Russia.” She reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to its allies, stating, “The United kingdom stands by our friends.”
[Image of British foreign secretary Yvette Cooper speaks at a Security council emergency meeting to discuss Russian fighter jet incursions into Estonia (Getty Images)]
Arpan Rai, September 23, 2025 04:04
