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Allies: responsibility for endangering peace and security lies with Russia

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

23.09.2025 | 15:02

Today, 23 September, the North Atlantic Council met at NATO Headquarters in Brussels for Article 4 consultations, initiated by Estonia following the violation of Estonian and NATO airspace by Russian fighter jets on 19 September.

"Yesterday's UN Security Council meeting and today's North Atlantic Council meeting showed that Allies stand firmly behind us. The Russian Federation's provocative actions are aimed at undermining our unity and deterring us in order to weaken our support for Ukraine. Once again, we can state that the effect of their actions is the opposite - such blatant violations of international law unite us and reaffirm the understanding that both strengthening our defence capabilities and support for Ukraine must be accelerated and reinforced," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna.

In its statement, the North Atlantic Council expressed unanimously and unequivocally that the responsibility for endangering peace and security lies with the Russian Federation. "We are not in a situation today where we should apply the principle of 'shoot first, ask later'. NATO's response last Friday was swift and appropriate, and achieved precisely what it had to - the threat was diverted away from us. Today's statement showed that NATO is ready, in accordance with international law, to employ all military and non-military means to defend its territory and the people living there. Article 5 is ironclad," said Tsahkna, adding that Allies also strongly called on Russia to cease all activities endangering security in order to avoid possible miscalculations.

Following the drone attack in Poland, NATO launched the vigilance activity Eastern Sentry, through which Allies are reinforcing NATO's deterrence and defence posture with additional air defence elements in Estonia and across the entire Eastern flank. During the consultations, the Allies issued a strong statement of solidarity and resolve. According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, it makes no difference whether the act was intentional or not - such behaviour will not be tolerated. Our posture remains strong and SACEUR has been given the necessary tools and authorities to adapt it as needed. The vigilance activity Eastern Sentry is functioning. In addition, exercises with Allies are taking place right now to address new challenges. We will deter and defend - calmly and resolutely.