Moscow Rejects Western Claims of Airspace Breaches
Russia has denied accusations from NATO members that its military aircraft and drones have repeatedly violated allied airspace in recent weeks, calling the claims baseless and exaggerated. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled the allegations as “hysteria,” insisting that Russian aviation operates strictly within international regulations.
“We are hearing exaggerated hysteria about our military pilots allegedly breaking rules and violating someone’s airspace,” Peskov told reporters at a press briefing, adding: “These claims are unfounded.”
Trump’s Remarks on Escalation
The denials came a day after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged NATO members to shoot down Russian planes if they entered allied airspace. His statement underscored heightened tensions between Moscow and the West as incidents involving Russian aircraft have drawn significant attention across Europe.
Recent Incidents in Europe
NATO officials reported multiple airspace incursions in recent weeks:
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Estonia: Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets reportedly crossed into Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland last week before being intercepted by NATO aircraft.
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Denmark: On September 22, authorities temporarily shut down Copenhagen Airport after unidentified drones forced dozens of flights to be canceled or diverted, affecting thousands of passengers.
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Romania & Poland: Drone incursions were also detected in both countries, with NATO aircraft intercepting and destroying several unmanned aerial vehicles in Polish territory.
Although NATO stated that it was “too early to say” whether the drones over Denmark were linked to Russian operations, alliance officials accused Moscow of deliberately testing NATO’s defenses.
Moscow’s Response
The Kremlin insists its air force abides by strict international aviation rules. “Our military aviation respects all flight regulations, is guided by them, and adheres to them rigorously,” Peskov emphasized. Russia has long accused NATO of using alleged airspace violations as a pretext to justify increased military activity near its borders.
Rising Regional Tensions
The incidents add to mounting strain between Russia and the West, particularly as NATO strengthens its eastern flank in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Analysts suggest the airspace disputes serve both as real security challenges and as symbolic tests of willpower between Moscow and the alliance.
For now, NATO has pledged vigilance, while Russia dismisses the accusations as propaganda. With drone activity and military flights increasing across northern and eastern Europe, observers warn that any miscalculation could escalate into a dangerous confrontation.
