Estonia says Russian fighter jets entered airspace in ‘brazen intrusion’

Russia’s involvement in the incursion of three supersonic fighter jets, according to Estonia, raises questions about whether Moscow’s conflict with Ukraine might have an impact on Europe’s eastern flank.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced on Friday that three MiG-31 aircraft had flown over the Gulf of Finland to Estonian airspace for a total of 12 minutes, and that he had summoned the Russian embassy’s charge d’affaires over the incident.

Tsahkna on X referred to this as “a bold and unprecedented intrusion that is clearly evidence of Russia’s growing aggression,” blaming swift political and economic pressure on the government.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal requested urgent “NATO Article 4 consultations” on the “totally unacceptable” incursion later that day.

Any NATO member may convene urgent discussions if they believe their territorial integrity, political independence, or security are in jeopardized by Article 4 of the treaty.

Russian Mig-31 fighter jets flew into Estonian airspace this morning.

Russian aircraft were forced to flee after NATO fighters arrived.

This is a total ripoff of human nature. Estonia’s government has decided to request consultations with NATO regarding Article 4.

Allison Hart, a spokesperson for NATO, claimed that Moscow had allegedly flown “reckless behavior” when it intercepted the Russian jets. She claimed that the incident demonstrated NATO’s “ability to respond.”

Italian Air Force fighter jets flying from Amari Airbase responded to the incident, according to the Estonian military’s statement.

According to the military, the three Russian fighter jets entered national airspace in the Gulf of Finland’s Vaindloo Island, claiming that this was their fourth incursion this year.

According to the report, the Russian jets had no flight plans and had off-board transponders.

Estonian air traffic control and the government had no two-way radio communication.

high alertness

Since 20 Russian drones entered Poland’s airspace less than a week ago, Ukraine’s neighbors in Europe have been on high alert. Polish and other NATO aircraft shot down the drones, which were not carrying ammunition.

Romania’s defense ministry reported on Sunday that it had a Russian drone in its airspace, prompting the country’s defense ministry to scramble fighter jets.

The top diplomat of the European Union, Kaja Kallas, described Russia’s third airspace violation as “an extremely dangerous provocation” that “further escalates tensions in the region.”

Kallas, who previously served as Estonia’s prime minister before taking over as the EU’s top representative for foreign affairs and security policy last year, claimed the bloc exhibited “full solidarity” with Estonia.

At an informal meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen on October 1, the group will discuss its “collective response” to Russia’s actions, according to European Council President Antonio Costa’s statement on X.

Solidarity with NATO is a core principle of the European Union.

Three Russian military aircraft’s recent invasion of Estonian airspace is yet another unacceptable provocation.

It once more emphasizes the need to strengthen our Eastern flank, intensify cooperation in Europe’s defense, and…