Bild has reported that two German Air Force Eurofighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20M reconnaissance aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea near Rostock in international airspace. The Russian plane was operating without a transponder, a device that transmits flight route and identification details. NATO countries say such unannounced Russian military flights in the region have become routine.

Meanwhile, Estonia has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council for the first time in its 34 years of membership, citing a recent violation of its airspace by Russia.

Speaking to Bizimyol.info, political analyst Yusif Bagirzade noted that in recent months, Russian drones, reconnaissance planes, and other aircraft have repeatedly violated the airspace of NATO’s eastern members, including Poland and the Baltic states. “Sometimes Russia admits responsibility, other times it denies it. For example, when drones fell in Poland, Russia disclaimed ownership, yet Belarus confirmed they were shot down after entering from Russian territory. These facts reinforce each other,” he said.

According to Bagirzade, Russia’s maneuvers appear to be deliberate tests of NATO’s readiness. “By violating airspace, Moscow is checking how prepared NATO states are for potential conflict. That’s why Poland has already deployed nearly 40,000 troops to its border with Belarus, while Germany has sent air defense systems to Poland,” he explained.

He added that NATO allies remain divided on how to respond. “When Russia violated Turkish airspace, Ankara’s firm response—downing a Russian jet—prevented further incidents. But today, Moscow’s actions serve both as a threat and as a message to NATO not to intervene in Ukraine. These provocations will likely push tensions between Russia and NATO to a more dangerous level in the coming months,” Bagirzade warned.

The analyst further suggested that with autumn and winter approaching, Russia’s offensive operations inside Ukraine are expected to slow, while Western governments await a clearer stance from Washington, which so far has refrained from issuing a definitive response.

İradə Cəlil, Bizimyol.info