Multiple Russian incursions expose contrast between U.S. and allies' responses

A series of unprecedented Russian incursions into NATO members' airspace in recent weeks has raised the alarm across Europe, which is looking towards an emboldened Kremlin for clues to its intentions and next moves.

A series of unprecedented Russian incursions into NATO members' airspace in recent weeks has raised the alarm across Europe, which is looking towards an emboldened Kremlin for clues to its intentions and next moves.

The incidents have also exposed a contrast between European leaders' urgent calls for action and President Donald Trump's more muted response, as he continues to hold back on imposing additional sanctions on Moscow as its war on Ukraine rages on.

On Friday, for the second time in 10 days, a NATO ally invoked Article 4 following airspace violations linked to Russia — a mechanism that prompts urgent talks among allies and that had only been triggered seven times in its 76-year history before this month.

Earlier in the day, three MiG-31 fighter aircraft entered Estonian airspace without permission and remained there for a total of 12 minutes, according to the country's Ministry of Defense. NATO aircraft intercepted the jets, the military alliance’s spokesperson Allison Hart said.

Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called the incursion "unprecedentedly brazen," saying Russia had already violated its airspace four times this year.