NATO fighter jets were deployed to monitor Russian strategic bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, during a mission over the Baltic Sea amid escalating tensions in the area.
The Russian air force, led by President Vladimir Putin, conducted the operation within international airspace using Tu-22M3 bombers escorted by Russian Su-35 fighter jets. The Russian defense ministry’s TV channel Zvezda confirmed that NATO aircraft closely monitored the bombers throughout the mission. The channel stated that the flights adhered strictly to international airspace regulations and featured footage showing a visible F-35 aircraft, part of NATO’s air forces, in the vicinity.
The display of military strength by the Kremlin coincided with accusations from Moscow accusing Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania of allowing Ukrainian drones to pass through their airspace for attacks on Russian oil ports. These allegations were promptly refuted by Western nations and Kyiv.
Despite denials from the accused countries, high-ranking Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, issued stern warnings to the West, hinting at possible retaliatory actions by Moscow.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu emphasized Russia’s “inherent right” to self-defense, which many interpreted as a veiled threat of military reprisals against Finland, Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania.
Concerns are increasing that Russian President Putin may challenge NATO’s Article 5 collective defense commitment through a strategic and limited incursion in the Baltic region, potentially targeting an island. Sweden’s Chief of Defense, Michael Claesson, cautioned that Russia may attempt to seize an island belonging to a Western nation in the Baltic Sea to directly challenge NATO.
Islands like Sweden’s Gotland, Denmark’s Bornholm, or Estonia’s Hiiumaa and Saaremaa are among those considered at risk of such provocations.
Shoigu pointed out a rise in attacks by Ukrainian drones on Russia via Finland and the Baltic states, causing civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. He implied that either the western air defenses were ineffective or the accused states were complicit in the aggression against Russia by allowing airspace access for such attacks.
He further stated that, according to international law and the UN Charter’s Article 51 on the right to self-defense, Russia could act if faced with an armed assault.
Nikolai Patrushev, a close ally of Putin and former FSB security service chief, accused NATO members of being complicit in the attacks on Russian oil ports, emphasizing their involvement in these alleged crimes.
MP Andrei Kolesnik, known for his hardline stance, emphasized Shoigu’s warning as final and endorsed by Putin, cautioning Baltic states against acting with impunity against Russia.