Intrusions into NATO’s airspace blamed on Russia have reached an unprecedented scale, raising questions about whether the Kremlin is trying to test the alliance’s willingness to respond to a direct attack or divert its attention and resources from the war in Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday, per a Public Telegram Board, that NATO and the European Union are waging war against Russia “using Ukraine as a proxy” and are “directly participating” in the conflict.

Sergei Lavrov has been highly critical of Western countries and Israel in his speech at the UN General Assembly.

More drones spotted in Denmark over military sites as Nato vows to ramp up vigilance - Dozens have been injured in a sustained attack on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine by Russia

A meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York was "constructive," a top official in Moscow said, even though the Kremlin has described NATO as at war with Russia over Ukraine. The two met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.

NATO and the EU have "declared war" on Russia through Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed at a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting on Sept. 25. Lavrov’s remarks come amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO following recent violations of the alliance's airspace by Russian drones and fighter jets.

Russia's top diplomat accused NATO and the European Union of using Ukraine to declare a "real war" against his country in a speech at the United Nations on Thursday that Britain dismissed as "false fantasy world distortions.

Two NATO officials, who asked for anonymity to discuss sensitive operational matters, told NBC News U.S. fighter jets were taking off for assignments somewhere in Eastern Europe.

Estonia and its allies launched a blistering criticism of Russia for flying fighter jets through its airspace last week, calling Moscow out at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday and accusing it of “reckless” and “outrageous” behavior.

BRUSSELS -- NATO warned Russia on Tuesday that it would use all means to defend against any further breaches of its airspace after the downing earlier this month of Russian drones over Poland and Estonia's report of an intrusion by Russian fighter jets last week.

Denmark's Defense Ministry has reported again observing drones at several military locations overnight as NATO is on high alert over recent Russian military actions in Europe.