US, NATO Allies Vow Defense of All NATO Territory Amid Russian Airspace Violations

Mike Waltz, the newly confirmed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, addressed the Security Council for the first time amid rising tensions over Russian incursions into Estonian airspace. He strongly reaffirmed the United States' commitment to NATO, emphasizing that the U.S. and its allies will defend every inch of NATO territory. Waltz's remarks came at an emergency meeting convened to discuss the violation by three Russian MiG-31 fighters entering Estonian airspace, which NATO scrambled to intercept. His confirmation ended months of delays and marks the final Cabinet appointment by President Donald Trump. Waltz's statement gained bipartisan support and was praised by international figures such as Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon, who highlighted Waltz's role in strengthening U.S.-Israel relations. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed the flight was planned and complied with international rules, denying any border violations.