Rutte: 'If Needed, We Will Do What’s Necessary' - NATO on High Alert Against Russian Incursions

NATO chief Mark Rutte said shooting down the Russian MiGs that entered Estonian airspace was not necessary, but warned that if required NATO will do what is needed. The aircraft were escorted out, and Rutte stressed that although the Alliance chose not to shoot them down, NATO would not hesitate to use force if required. “First we assess the situation, but if necessary, we will do what is needed,” he stated. Its commitment to Article 5 collective defense, Rutte underlined, is “ironclad.”The tensions follow drone sightings in northern Europe as well. He emphasized that while formal NATO accession depends on consensus, Ukraine is already functioning as part of the European security system.