European diplomats reportedly warned Russia that NATO could shoot down its aircraft if they continue violating alliance airspace.
Moscow meeting details
Bloomberg reports that British, French, and German diplomats held an unofficial meeting in Moscow this week to convey NATO’s readiness to “respond with full force” if Russian aircraft persist in violating NATO airspace. The diplomats emphasized that NATO reserves the right to shoot down Russian planes in such cases. Bloomberg obtained this information from officials familiar with the matter.
Russia’s response on airspace violations
During the discussions, a Russian diplomat claimed that incidents involving violations of NATO airspace were retaliation for Ukrainian attacks in Crimea. The Kremlin asserts that these operations would be impossible without NATO support, implying the alliance’s direct involvement in the conflict with Russia.
Kremlin spokesperson’s reaction
On Friday, September 26, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, dismissed Bloomberg’s report. When asked how Russia would respond to a NATO member shooting down a Russian aircraft, Peskov called the suggestion “highly irresponsible.” He argued that accusations of Russian military aircraft violating airspace lack credible evidence.
Russian foreign minister’s accusations
On Thursday, September 25, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in New York. Lavrov criticized Western involvement in the Ukraine war, stating that NATO and the European Union have declared “real war” on Russia through Ukraine and are directly engaged in the conflict.
