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UK sends RAF fighter jets to Poland in warning to Russia

This September 19, 2025 Hand Out image released by the Swedish Airforce shows a Russian MIG-31 fighter jet flying above the Baltic sea after violating Estonian air space. Three Russian MiG-31 fighters violated Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland on Friday, Estonia said, triggering complaints of a dangerous new provocation from the EU and NATO. Sweden and Finland scrambled rapid reaction aircraft, a spokesman for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) told reporters — This September 19, 2025 Hand Out image released by the Swedish Airforce shows a Russian MIG-31 fighter jet flying above the Baltic sea after violating Estonian air space. Three Russian MiG-31 fighters violated Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland on Friday, Estonia said, triggering complaints of a dangerous new provocation from the EU and NATO. Sweden and Finland scrambled rapid reaction aircraft, a spokesman for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) told reporters (HANDOUT/AFP via Getty Images)

The UK deployed RAF fighter jets to Poland as a warning to Russia following repeated incursions into Nato airspace, including a recent 12-minute breach in Estonia.
Defence Secretary John Healey stated the mission sent a clear signal that Nato airspace would be defended, with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy affirming Nato's collective strength against Russia.
Two British RAF Typhoons and a Voyager aircraft conducted an operational mission over Polish skies to counter Russian threats, returning to the UK early on Saturday.
The UK is exploring options to use frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine's war effort, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirming discussions with European counterparts on this matter.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned a massive Russian air attack involving 580 drones and 40 missiles, characterising it as a deliberate strategy to terrorise civilians.

UK flies fighter jets over Poland in warning shot to Putin to stay out of Nato territory — In full