NATO intercepts 3 Russian jets in Estonia's airspace
NATO intercepted three Russian jets that violated Estonia’s airspace on Friday, as confirmed by the country’s foreign ministry and an alliance spokesperson.
The Estonian foreign ministry reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland without permission and stayed for 12 minutes. Italian F-35 fighters stationed in Estonia under NATO’s Eastern Sentry operation, along with Swedish and Finnish aircraft, responded to the intrusion, according to NATO Allied Command Operations headquarters.
Estonian Prime Minister Krisen Michal stated that the Russian jets were eventually compelled to leave. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commended the alliance’s response as prompt and decisive.
Russia denied the airspace violation, asserting that the flight was conducted in accordance with international rules and did not breach any borders. The Russian defense ministry explained that the jets flew over the Baltic Sea's neutral waters from Karelia to an airfield in the Kaliningrad region, more than three kilometers away from Estonia’s northernmost point.
Following the violation, Estonia requested NATO Article 4 consultations, deeming the incident unacceptable. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart announced that the North Atlantic Council will convene early next week to address the matter.
Article 4 of the NATO treaty allows member countries to bring issues affecting their territorial integrity, political independence, or security to the council for discussion. Poland initiated a similar consultation after recent airspace violations by Russian drones and fighter jets.
The Estonian foreign ministry summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires in response to the incident. Subsequently, Poland’s border guard reported that two Russian fighter jets conducted a low-level pass over an oil platform in the Baltic Sea owned by Petrobaltic, a Polish oil company.
These incidents are part of a series where NATO member countries have reported violations of their airspace by Russian jets and drones. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna criticized Russia’s actions, calling for increased political and economic pressure in response.
Romania’s foreign minister Oana Toiu expressed solidarity with Estonia and condemned Russia’s attempts to undermine NATO’s unity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky labeled the violation as part of a systematic campaign against Europe, NATO, and the West.
European Union’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas denounced the airspace violation as an extremely dangerous provocation, emphasizing full solidarity with Estonia. She stressed the need for a strong response to Putin’s actions to prevent any display of weakness.
US President Donald Trump commented on the airspace violations, warning of potential consequences. The European Commission proposed new sanctions against Russia for various violations, including airspace breaches.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper voiced support for Estonia and called for increased pressure on Putin, including the implementation of new economic sanctions. These incidents follow previous airspace violations by Russian drones in Poland and Romania, leading NATO allies to reinforce defenses in the region.