NATO warns Russia ‘escalatory’ air violations on eastern flank ‘must stop’

NATO on Tuesday warned Russia to stop an “escalatory” pattern of airspace violations along its eastern flank, after the alliance held urgent talks over last week’s jet incursion over Estonia.

“Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which are escalatory, risk miscalculation and endanger lives. They must stop,” NATO’s 32 member states said in a statement.

“Russia should be in no doubt: NATO and Allies will employ, in accordance with international law, all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter all threats from all directions,” the alliance’s North Atlantic Council said in a statement.