Russia has been alleged to have conducted a cyber assault on a Spanish Air Force aircraft carrying the country’s defense minister. The incident occurred earlier today while the plane was en route to Lithuania, passing over the Russian territory of Kaliningrad with Margarita Robles aboard. She was scheduled to meet with Lithuanian defense minister Dovile Sakaliene as per the Spanish government’s plans.
This action follows a recent warning from NATO to Russia, stating that NATO would utilize all available means to safeguard against any further violations of its airspace after the recent downing of Russian drones over Poland and Estonia.
NATO emphasized in a statement that it would utilize both military and non-military measures, in compliance with international law, to defend against threats and deter aggression from any direction. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to Article 5 of its founding treaty, considering an attack on any member as an attack on all members.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper cautioned that Moscow’s actions could escalate to a direct armed conflict with the Western military alliance. During a speech at the United Nations in New York, Cooper asserted that they would be prepared to intercept any aircraft operating in NATO airspace without authorization.
British Typhoon jets, part of the Royal Air Force, have participated in NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission, conducting their inaugural mission over Poland on September 19.
Sign up to receive email updates featuring the latest news stories of the day.