Mike Waltz, the newly confirmed U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, called on Monday for an “urgent halt” to violations of NATO countries’ airspace, urging for de-escalation in the region.
Waltz made his remarks during a UN Security Council briefing, condemning a recent incident involving Russian fighter jets, which took place just a week after a Russian drone intruded into Polish airspace.
“As I mentioned nine days ago, the U.S. stands by our NATO allies in light of these airspace violations. I want to emphasize again that we will defend every inch of NATO territory,” he stated.
“Russia must immediately stop this dangerous behavior,” he added.
This situation arises amid ongoing negotiations during the Trump administration aimed at resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. President Trump had previously pushed for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but progress appears to have halted since their separate gatherings last month.
Waltz, who previously served as national security adviser under Trump, noted the former president’s diplomatic outreach, expressing expectations that Russia might attempt to escalate tensions.
“When President Trump and the U.S. President are dedicated to ending this devastating war between Russia and Ukraine, we hope that Russia will look for ways to reduce tensions instead of heightening risks,” Waltz commented.
“This situation suggests that Russia might either be looking to escalate the conflict with Ukraine—or it’s simply losing control over its military operations,” he explained. “Both possibilities raise significant concerns, especially considering Russia’s status as a nuclear power with global influence.”
Waltz urged Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council, to respect international peace and the sovereignty of its neighbors, calling for an end to airspace violations. He also encouraged Russia to engage directly with Ukraine to resolve the ongoing war.
On Friday, three Russian fighters reportedly entered Estonian airspace for 12 minutes—a move labeled by Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal as a “striking violation.” She has since sought consultations under Article 4 of NATO, which allows member states to address issues threatening their territorial integrity or political independence.
This latest incursion follows last week’s Polish airspace violation and has led NATO to step up its air defenses. Poland has also reached out to NATO members for discussions regarding threats to its safety.
Notably, on September 9, at least 19 Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace during significant air attacks over Ukraine. Trump has characterized the incursion into Poland as a misstep by Russia and has encouraged opposition from Polish leaders who assert it was intentional.
