Estonia has formally requested consultations with its NATO allies following a serious airspace violation by Russian fighter jets, raising concerns about regional security. According to Estonia’s foreign ministry, three Russian MiG-31 aircraft crossed into Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland on Friday. The ministry condemned the incursion as a “brazen” act, stating that the aircraft entered without permission and remained for a total of 12 minutes before departing. In response, NATO confirmed that its forces reacted immediately to the provocation. “This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond effectively,” a NATO spokesperson said. Italy, Finland, and Sweden scrambled their jets under the alliance’s air-policing mission to secure Estonia’s skies and deter further incursions. The violation marks a troubling escalation as tensions between Russia and NATO continue to mount amid Moscow’s ongoing confrontations with neighbouring countries. Estonia, a NATO member since 2004, has been one of the strongest voices urging the alliance to strengthen its eastern flank against potential Russian aggression. Moscow, however, denied any wrongdoing, dismissing Estonia’s accusations as unfounded. Russia’s defence ministry stated that its jets were conducting routine flights over international waters and had not breached NATO airspace. Despite Russia’s denial, the incident underscores the fragile security environment in the Baltic region. Analysts warn that such airspace violations could lead to dangerous miscalculations. Estonia’s request for NATO consultations is likely to result in renewed calls for heightened readiness and stronger deterrence measures along the alliance’s eastern borders. This latest development serves as a stark reminder of the challenges NATO faces in maintaining stability and protecting its member states amid growing Russian assertiveness.
Estonia Seeks NATO Consultation After Russian Warplanes Violate Airspace
