The Group of Seven (G7) Foreign Ministers have issued a strong joint statement condemning recent Russian airspace violations over NATO territory as unacceptable and a significant threat to international security. The ministers, meeting in New York during the 80th UN General Assembly, specifically cited incursions over Estonia, Poland, and Romania between September 10th and 19th, 2025, viewing these actions as part of a pattern of increasingly irresponsible Russian behavior. NATO has responded by convening the North Atlantic Council under Article 4 to address the escalating situation. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated the alliance will utilize "all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter all threats from all directions," reinforcing the commitment to Article 5 mutual defense. NATO has also launched "Eastern Sentry" to enhance its deterrence and defense capabilities along the Eastern flank, including air defense systems.
In response to the airspace breaches, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that Poland would not hesitate to shoot down unauthorized flying objects violating its territory. Estonia's Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian envoy to protest the violations, though the Russian Ministry of Defense maintains that no airspace was breached, claiming flights occurred over neutral waters. The G7 ministers also reaffirmed their unwavering support for a "strong, independent, and prosperous Ukraine." Discussions included potential further economic sanctions against Russia, with a focus on measures targeting third countries facilitating Moscow's war efforts. The ministers are coordinating with the United States to provide Ukraine with robust and credible security guarantees, a commitment that has been a cornerstone of G7 policy since July 2023, aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities and deterring future Russian aggression.
Specific incidents contributing to the heightened tensions include at least 19 Russian fighter jets crossing the Polish border on the night of September 10, 2025. On September 13, Russian MiG-31s with disabled transponders approached the Polish exclusive economic zone in the Baltic Sea, violating its security. A Russian jet also violated Romanian airspace during an attack on Ukraine. Further incursions occurred on September 19, when three Russian MiG-31s entered Estonia's airspace for 12 minutes, and two Russian fighter jets approached the Polish border at low altitude. These events highlight ongoing geopolitical tensions and Russia's increasingly assertive actions, which NATO considers escalatory and a risk to international stability. The coordinated response from the G7 underscores the international community's resolve in addressing perceived aggression and maintaining a united front in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and security.