US vows to defend 'every inch' of NATO territory amid Russian provocations
US Permanent Representative to the UN, Mike Waltz (Photo: Getty Images)
The US and its allies will defend every inch of NATO territory. Russia must immediately cease its dangerous actions, states US Permanent Representative to the UN Mike Waltz.
During the UN Security Council meeting, the ambassador sharply criticized Russia’s actions and reassured allies of the US’ readiness to defend them.
He recalled that just nine days ago, the Security Council had convened following a massive violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. According to him, Moscow has once again intruded into the airspace of a NATO member country.
Waltz emphasized that the UЫ and its allies will defend every inch of NATO territory, and therefore Russia must immediately cease its dangerous actions.
He also stated that Washington expects Moscow to take steps toward de-escalation, not toward expanding the conflict.
According to the diplomat, incidents involving drones and fighter jets create the impression that Russia either seeks to draw more countries into the confrontation with Ukraine or has lost control over its own military. He called either scenario extremely alarming.
At the end of his speech, Waltz urged the Kremlin to adhere to international law.
“I once again urge Russia, as a permanent member of this Council, to uphold international peace and security, to respect the sovereignty of its neighbours, to cease violating their airspace. And I call on Russia to negotiate directly with Ukraine to end that war,” the US ambassador said.
Military tensions between NATO and Russia
After the Russian drone attack on Poland on September 10 and the recent intrusion of Russian fighter jets into Estonian airspace, the governments of several European countries announced their intention to shoot down Russian aircraft if they violate their airspace.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the military is ready to shoot down Russian planes in NATO airspace, but with one condition.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also threatened to shoot down Russian fighters in the event of a violation of Polish airspace.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Russia has become a real threat to global peace and security, and maximum pressure should be applied on the Kremlin.
