The UK intercepted 21 Russian aircraft at the border of NATO airspace over the past three weeks, said British Defense Ministry Sunday. In a statement, the Ministry noted that its Typhoon fighter jets stationed in Estonia have intercepted 21 different Russian aircraft. In turn, British Defense Minister Ben Wallace affirmed, "These interceptions are a stark reminder of the value of collective defense and deterrence that NATO provides. "The Royal Air Force has been working alongside our allies over the past three weeks to ensure the protection of Member States and our partner countries. "They can be sure of our continued support in strengthening European security along with those who share our values," he added. Wallace, earlier, had said he is out of the race to become the next NATO chief. Asked about leading the alliance from the end of September, when Jens Stoltenberg's term ends, he told The Economist: "It's not going to happen." Several NATO members, including the US, are thought to have been lobbying Stoltenberg to stay on. But on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his country was not "promoting any particular candidate". NATO — the West's defensive military alliance — has 31 members who agree to help one another if they come under attack. Speaking to German media about the top job last month, Wallace said: "I've always said it would be a good job. That's a job I'd like. But I'm also loving the job I do now." Despite his obvious enthusiasm to succeed Stoltenberg as the next head of NATO, he appears to have failed to get the backing of key allies. US President Joe Biden described Wallace as "very qualified" for the job when he met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Washington recently. But in private, the US is believed to be one of the nations trying to persuade Stoltenberg to stay — at least for another year. This was echoed by Wallace in comments to The Economist. Stoltenberg, who has been the alliance's top boss for nine years, has neither confirmed or denied his intentions to continue in the job. — Agencies
