US Pledges NATO Defense After Russian Airspace Violations in Estonia, Poland

The United States, through its newly appointed U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz, has firmly committed to defending every inch of NATO territory following recent Russian violations of NATO airspace, specifically over Estonia and Poland. Waltz condemned Russia's incursions, including armed Russian jets flying 12 minutes inside Estonian airspace near its parliament, and emphasized that these actions risk escalating the conflict beyond Ukraine. Despite Russian denials of the incursions, NATO views these violations as tests of its resolve, and the U.S. reiterated its support for alliance members in the face of such provocations. Waltz also highlighted President Donald Trump's extensive efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine and urged Russia to negotiate directly with Ukraine to stop the fighting. NATO officials and Western leaders have expressed concern that Russia's actions could trigger a broader armed conflict, underscoring the heightened tensions at the U.N. Security Council and international forums. Meanwhile, Russia has dismissed Estonia's claims as unfounded and accused it of escalating tensions.