Shaheen, Tillis Statement on Russia’s Violation of Estonia’s Sovereign Airspace

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, released the following statement in response to Russia's violation of Estonian sovereign airspace:

"Today's brazen incursion by three Russian fighter jets into Estonian airspace underscores what is becoming more clear by the day: Vladimir Putin is deliberately testing NATO, probing for weakness and seeking to gain advantage while Washington is distracted. For twelve minutes, Russian fighters violated the sovereign territory of a NATO Ally.

"This is not an isolated episode. In recent days, Russian drones have crossed into Poland and Romania, adding to the pattern of gray-zone violations and coercion that NATO must treat with utmost seriousness. These are calculated moves intended to normalize aggression, wear down our resolve and send a signal that Moscow can push boundaries with impunity. These provocations also present a real risk of miscalculation that could lead to unforeseen escalation.

"With Estonia's request for Article 4 consultations today, this makes the second request in a single month-compared to only a handful in the Alliance's entire history- and underscores just how brazen and dangerous Putin's provocations have become. These consultations are not symbolic, they are a reminder that NATO stands together and that Allied security is indivisible. NATO and the United States' credibility is on the line, and our adversaries are watching closely to see if we hesitate.

"Putin has shown us time and again that he is a liar and a murderer with no desire for peace. Violations of Allied territory, whether in Estonia, Poland or Romania, must be met with unity and strength. We must also remain attuned to his immediate goals in Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans where his strategy of destabilization and coercion continues to threaten the transatlantic community. The cost of distraction and delay is high, and Putin is exploiting every opportunity to gain ground. We cannot afford to hand him the advantage. Now is the time to partner with our European allies and apply maximum economic pressure on Putin. It's high time that this war comes to an end."

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