Russia has been accused of a cyber assault on a Spanish Air Force aircraft carrying the country’s defense minister. The incident occurred this morning over the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad as the plane was en route to Lithuania with Margarita Robles to meet with Lithuanian defense minister Dovile Sakaliene, as per the Spanish government’s schedule.
This action follows a warning issued by NATO to Russia the day before, emphasizing the organization’s readiness to defend against any further violations of its airspace following the recent incidents involving Russian drones over Poland and Estonia.
NATO stated that it will utilize all necessary military and non-military means, consistent with international law, to protect itself and deter threats from any direction. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to Article 5 of its founding treaty, which considers an attack on any member state as an attack on all.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, expressed concerns over Moscow’s actions, warning of the potential for a direct armed conflict between Russia and the Western military alliance. Cooper emphasized readiness to confront unauthorized aircraft operating in NATO airspace.
Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have been involved in NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission, conducting their inaugural flight over Poland on September 19.
