Kremlin says talk of shooting down Russian planes is a serious escalation of tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing
FILE PHOTO: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov walks at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, September 2, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/Pool/ File Photo
Source: REUTERS

The Kremlin said on Friday that talk of shooting down Russian military planes over Europe was reckless, aggressive and marked a serious escalation of tension near Russia's border.

"Statements about shooting down Russian planes are, well, at the very least, reckless, irresponsible. And, of course, dangerous in their consequences," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state TV reporter Pavel Zarubin.

Bloomberg reported earlier that European diplomats had warned Moscow that NATO was ready to respond with full force against violations of its airspace, including by shooting down Russian planes.

Peskov repeated Moscow's denial that its fighter planes had intruded into Estonian air space last week.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Morales alleges energy and mining deals with Washington are putting Bolivia's sovereignty at risk. Photo Credit: Viory

Bolivia Roundup: Political trust erodes, fuel crisis deepens, and regions secure a landmark 50/50 agreement

"We heard the exchanges when our planes were accused of violating Estonian airspace. However, absolutely no evidence, let alone convincing evidence, was presented," he said.

"And, of course, against the backdrop of such recklessness, making such aggressive statements, this is another very significant round of escalation of tensions near our border."

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.