Russia risks 'direct armed confrontation' with NATO after 'reckless' jet incursion, says Yvette Cooper
NATO warnings come after Russian jets breached Estonia airspace.
Yvette Cooper warned Russia of "direct armed confrontation" if they continue their "reckless actions" of invading NATO airspace.
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The Foreign Secretary told the United Nations Security Council on Monday that her message to Estonia, Poland, Romania and all Nato allies was: "I say the United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with you at this time and always.
"And to President Putin, I say your reckless actions risk a direct armed confrontation between Nato and Russia."
This comes after Russian drones have breached NATO’s airspace in Poland and Romania.
As well as this, Estonia’s foreign ministry said three Russian jets entered its air space without permission on September 19 and remained there for 12 minutes
Ms Cooper added: “Our alliance is defensive, but be under no illusion, 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.
“The United Kingdom stands by our friends. We are unwavering in our support for the principles of the UN Charter, for our Nato allies and for Ukraine, and we are committed to increasing the pressure on Russia until it ends its illegal war against Ukraine ceases its requisites and respects the sovereignty of other states.
“Russia’s imperialist war-mongering is a threat to international peace and security.
“It is a threat to the values and principles that underpin this organisation. This organisation has done so much to support stability and prosperity these past 80 years. We must counter it for the sake of us all.”
World leaders are meeting this week at a UN summit in New York.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned Poland was at its “closest to open conflict since World War Two” after 19 Russian drones breached the country’s airspace on September 9.
"This is a confrontation that Russia has declared against the entire free world," said Tusk. The incident showed just how unprepared Europe is for the growing threat of cheap drones.
Just days earlier on September 7, Russia launched its largest aerial assault of the war, striking Kyiv with drones and missiles.
Two people were killed, and a government building housing Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers was set ablaze. Ukrainian officials said Russia deployed 805 drones and decoys.
In response to the done incursion over Poland, the UK announced that RAF Typhoon jets would also take part in Eastern Sentry, flying their first mission over Poland late on September 19.
It’s a clear sign that Vladimir Putin has no intention of stopping the war anytime soon and that he expects capitulation from Ukraine and its European allies.
Months of US diplomacy with Moscow under the Trump administration have also achieved little.
Donald Trump insists he is always “two weeks” away from a decision, but the Kremlin calculates it can outlast Ukraine on the battlefield, fracture European unity, and sap American interest. Russia remains defiant, refusing meaningful negotiations.