Russia’s high-risk game in Nato skies
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Today in Focus
This episode is titled:
Russia’s high-risk game in Nato skies
Notable Quotes
"If another missile or aircraft enters our space without permission, deliberately or by mistake, and gets shot down and the wreckage falls on NATO territory, please don't come here to whine about it. You have been warned."
"It's quite fundamental. A country has to sort of defend or protect its airspace. So that's why it matters."
"It is worth emphasising that all these things are well within NATO's military capacity to deal with."
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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
In this episode, The Guardian's Today in Focus discusses the rising tensions surrounding Russian airspace violations over NATO territories. Recent incidents include a series of Russian drones entering Polish airspace, which prompted NATO's first military action against Russian aircraft since the Ukraine war began. These provocations have led countries like Poland and Romania to scramble jets and heighten military alerts, marking an escalation in Russian aggression that was previously thought unlikely.
The discussion highlights the surprise and concern among NATO members about the brazen nature of these incursions, particularly a recent event where Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for twelve minutes. The implications of these actions raise serious questions about European security and NATO's response capabilities, contrasting the immediate military readiness of pilot responses with the complex decision-making entailed in such situations.
Experts reflect on whether these Russian provocations indicate a strategy to test NATO's resolve and unity, particularly in light of existing tensions arising from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The episode concludes by emphasizing that while these incursions pose logistical and diplomatic challenges, they remain manageable within NATO's military framework, albeit creating a nuisance that may impose costs on member states.
The discussion highlights the surprise and concern among NATO members about the brazen nature of these incursions, particularly a recent event where Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for twelve minutes. The implications of these actions raise serious questions about European security and NATO's response capabilities, contrasting the immediate military readiness of pilot responses with the complex decision-making entailed in such situations.
Experts reflect on whether these Russian provocations indicate a strategy to test NATO's resolve and unity, particularly in light of existing tensions arising from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The episode concludes by emphasizing that while these incursions pose logistical and diplomatic challenges, they remain manageable within NATO's military framework, albeit creating a nuisance that may impose costs on member states.
Key Takeaways
- Russia has increased military provocations by sending drones and aircraft into NATO airspace.
- Poland and Romania responded to airspace violations by scrambling jets, marking significant military escalations.
- NATO countries are grappling with the balance between deterrence and the risk of escalating conflict with Russia.
- Russia appears to be testing the resolve and unity of NATO amidst ongoing tensions related to the Ukraine conflict.
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