The repeated incursions of Russian warplanes and drones into European nations indicate a hybrid conflict, according to Yuriy Boyechko, the head of Hope for Ukraine.
In a statement made after the most recent violation of Estonian airspace, Boyechko recommended that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization adopt more robust measures against Moscow.
On Friday, Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets had entered its airspace from the northeast without authorization and remained there for approximately 12 minutes.
The government requested a meeting with other NATO members following the fifth breach recorded this year, invoking Article 4 of the alliance’s treaty.
However, Russia’s defense ministry stated that the jets adhered to international airspace regulations and “did not infringe upon the borders of other states, as confirmed by objective monitoring.”
Estonia’s request marked the second this month, as Poland similarly sought NATO’s intervention after Russian drones entered its airspace on September 10.
Boyechko accused President Putin of intensifying his provocations against the alliance, believing that “a window of opportunity” has emerged.
The activist claimed that Putin is plotting to dominate Europe by instilling fear in the populace to coerce them into supporting pro-Russian politicians.
“The Russians have officially initiated a hybrid war against NATO due to the lack of a strong response from NATO to these acts of aggression by the Russian military,” he asserted.
Boyechko urged the alliance to take inspiration from Turkey’s response to a Russian jet breaching its airspace in 2015, recalling how the aircraft was shot down within five minutes.
