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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The alliance's disjointed approach leaves Europe vulnerable, experts warn, as Moscow exploits uneven defences with relentless cyberattacks.