Russia is facing accusations of conducting a cyber attack on a Spanish Air Force aircraft carrying the country’s defense minister. The incident occurred today while the plane was en route to Lithuania, passing over the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad with Margarita Robles on board. Robles was scheduled to meet with Lithuanian defense minister Dovile Sakaliene, as outlined in the Spanish government’s plans.
This development follows a recent warning from NATO to Russia regarding airspace violations, prompted by the shooting down of Russian drones over Poland and Estonia. NATO emphasized its readiness to utilize all available military and non-military resources in accordance with international law to safeguard against threats from any direction. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to Article 5 of its founding treaty, which considers an attack on any member state as an attack on all.
UK’s Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, expressed concerns over Moscow’s actions, cautioning that they could lead to a direct military confrontation between Russia and the Western alliance. Cooper stated during a United Nations address in New York that the alliance remains vigilant and prepared to intercept unauthorized aircraft operating in NATO airspace.
As part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission, Typhoon jets from the Royal Air Force participated in their inaugural flight over Poland on September 19.