Estonia Urgently Requests NATO Meeting Over Russian Jet Airspace Violation

Estonia has called for a meeting with other Nato members after Russian warplanes breached its airspace on Friday. The Estonian foreign ministry criticized the incident, stating that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace without permission and stayed for 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland.

Nato promptly intercepted the Russian aircraft, with a Nato spokesperson condemning the action as reckless behavior by Russia. Italy, Finland, and Sweden sent jets to support Nato's eastern flank mission. Russia denied violating Estonian airspace, claiming the jets were on a scheduled flight following international airspace regulations.

Tensions between Nato and Russia have heightened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Following recent airspace breaches in Poland and Romania, Nato vowed to reinforce its defense by relocating military assets eastward.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced the request for Nato Article 4 consultations to ensure a united response to provocations. Article 4 initiates urgent consultations within the Nato alliance for collective defense. This marks the second time in a week that a Nato member has requested Article 4 consultations.

US President Donald Trump expressed concern over the incident and stated he would be briefed on the matter. Estonia and the EU condemned the airspace violation, with Estonia noting that Russia had previously breached its airspace four times in 2025. The Russian jets entered Estonian airspace from the northeast and were escorted out by Italian F-35 jets under Nato's Baltic Air Policing mission.

Estonian officials emphasized the need for increased protection of Nato's eastern flank airspace. Nato allies, including the UK, France, Germany, and Denmark, have deployed fighter jets to bolster air defense missions over Poland. Nato is focusing on strengthening its eastern flank in response to Russian incursions into Poland and Romania.