Nato Being Tested.
Nato Country Flags
NATO allies are divided over whether the alliance should make it a policy to shoot down Russian jets that violate NATO’s airspace, with some countries including the US, Poland and Baltic nations signaling that future violations should be met with force, while others, including Germany, urge more restraint.
The issue came to a head during an emergency meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Tuesday, which was called by Estonia after three Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace last week for 12 minutes.
Representatives from several countries, including Poland and Estonia, wanted the joint statement following the meeting to make clear that any additional violations by Russia, including from manned aircraft, would be met with force, according to two NATO officials familiar with the discussions— something that NATO has the authority to do if necessary.
Russia is increasingly testing the West with further incursions into Nato territory with notable drone presence at airports in countries like Denmark. Escalating the conflict to all out war does not benefit any player in this scenario but taking it just to the brink seems to be a game that some enjoy playing out before the World audience. Nato has a duty to respond pursuant to their charter, trying to label what actions warrant a united response is another matter.
