• NATO accuses Russia of violating Estonian airspace with military jets.
• The North Atlantic Council invoked Article 4 for the second time in weeks.
• Allied nations affirm commitment to collective defense under NATO agreements.

NATO allies confronted Russia at a UN Security Council meeting due to its recent violation of Estonian airspace, with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stating, "Your reckless actions risk direct armed confrontation between NATO and Russia." The incident involved three Russian MiG-31 fighters entering Estonian airspace for 12 minutes before being escorted away by NATO jets, a move described as dangerous by the alliance's leadership, emphasizing that these actions escalate tensions, according to Indiatimes and Reuters.

NATO's North Atlantic Council convened at Estonia's request, condemning the Russian action as part of a "wider pattern of increasingly irresponsible behavior." Furthermore, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte highlighted the alliance's commitment to employ "all necessary military and non-military tools" to defend itself, a stance taken following multiple airspace violations by Russian aircraft, as reported by AA and AA.

The North Atlantic Council cited that this incident is not isolated; similar incursions have been reported by NATO member states such as Poland and Latvia. Following such provocations, including incursions by Russian drones, NATO emphasized the importance of the mutual defense clause in Article 5 of its treaty, asserting that its commitment to collective security is "ironclad." This was reiterated in a statement where NATO warned that Russia bears "full responsibility" for its actions, according to Al Jazeera and The Hill.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna described the incursion as unprecedented and indicated that NATO is prepared to respond decisively to further threats, stating, "This is a warning to Putin not to test us anymore." He emphasized the alliance's unified response following the airspace violations and called for a formal meeting to address these escalations at the United Nations, reflecting on the collective resolve within NATO, reported by NPR.