Germany emphasizes its readiness for immediate response to the ongoing violations of NATO member states’ airspace by Russia. German officials express strong condemnation of Russian actions, while simultaneously calling for restraint and de-escalation.
German warnings to Russia over NATO member states’ airspace violations
German Foreign Minister Johan Wadeful expressed Germany’s determination to address Russian violations. In statements on Monday, September 22, 2025, he emphasized that the NATO Alliance has the capability for immediate response in every case. Referring to the incursions of Russian fighter aircraft and drones into NATO allies’ airspace, Wadeful underlined that everyone must understand the Alliance’s determination. The September 19th incident, when Russian fighters penetrated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes, was characterized by Wadeful as “further escalation” and “most serious violation of international law”. Within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the German minister warned Russia against further provocative actions. Germany assures strong solidarity among NATO member states and the Alliance’s flexibility in addressing threats. Meanwhile, Russia is called upon to respect the territorial integrity of neighboring states.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, in his interview with “Handelsblatt” on Tuesday, September 23, condemned the violations but emphasized the need for strategic restraint. According to Pistorius, Russia seeks to provoke NATO and in case of escalation present the Alliance as aggressive. The German minister maintained that Vladimir Putin underestimated NATO’s cohesion and determination. German Eurofighters remain on standby for professional threat response, without allowing provocations.
AfD criticism towards Russia
In a notable development, “Alternative for Germany” (AfD) leader Alice Weidel exercised direct criticism of Vladimir Putin for the first time. Weidel called on Russia for de-escalation and termination of NATO airspace violations.
AfD’s main concerns include:
- The possibility of further escalation due to Russian violations
- The risk of undermining Donald Trump’s peace efforts
- Irreparable damage to Russia-US relations
Weidel emphasized that airspace violations by Russia carry high escalation risks and can irreparably harm diplomatic peace efforts.
