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Estonia reports an unprecedented violation of its airspace by Russian fighter jets. The incident follows recent Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace. Russia maintains that its jets did not breach Estonian skies, claiming they flew over neutral waters instead.
On Friday, three Russian military jets entered Estonian airspace for 12 minutes in an “unsolicited and bold” move, according to the Estonian government. This event is the latest in a string of recent military activities by Russia that have unsettled NATO allies. Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized the seriousness, stating, “Russia has violated Estonian airspace four times already this year, which is unacceptable, but today’s breach, involving three fighter jets, is exceptionally brazen.”
Russia’s Defense Ministry denies any wrongdoing, asserting that the jets flew over the Baltic Sea’s neutral waters during their transit from northwest Russia to Kaliningrad. The ministry stated that the flight adhered strictly to international aviation rules and did not breach Estonian airspace. They added that the aircraft remained on the approved flight path and did not deviate into Estonian territory.
Additionally, Poland reported that two Russian fighter jets violated the safety zone around the Petrobaltic drilling platform in the Baltic Sea on the same day.
In the United States, President Donald Trump revealed he was not briefed about the incident but anticipated receiving updates. When asked whether the intrusion posed a threat to NATO, Trump responded, “I don’t love it. I don’t like when that happens. It could be a big problem. I’ll let you know later.” His administration’s response is closely monitored, especially after NATO officials labeled the Russian actions as reckless.
European leaders responded swiftly. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, a former Estonian Prime Minister, stated, “This was no accident,” referring to the breach. Estonia summoned the Russian diplomat to lodge a protest and deliver a formal note. Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced that Estonia would seek NATO’s consultation under Article 4 of the alliance treaty, which allows allies to discuss security concerns when territorial integrity is threatened. NATO monitors Estonian airspace through its “Baltic Sentry” mission.
Tsahkna indicated that Estonia plans to request additional aerial defense support from allies, stating, “It was a deliberate provocation, clearly intended that way. That’s why we are initiating Article 4 consultations.” Ukraine has condemned the event as a destabilizing act by Russia and expressed solidarity with Estonia, urging stronger collective and individual responses. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene advised moving more NATO air defense assets to frontline states, asserting that daily threats test the resolve of NATO members.
The breach occurred near Vaindloo Island, approximately 62 miles from Tallinn. The aircraft did not file flight plans, and their transponders were turned off, making their movements difficult to track. While such incursions are not uncommon in this region, the duration of Friday’s event is seen as unusual and possibly deliberate. A U.S. official suggested the incident was likely intentional, given the circumstances.
Russian security expert Jakub M. Godzimirski suggested the incident might be a test, though it could also be coincidental, especially given recent events like the drone intrusion in Poland. Historically, Tallinn has accused Moscow of provocative actions, including briefly sending a fighter jet into NATO airspace during an effort to intercept a Russian oil tanker reportedly linked to a “shadow fleet” evading Western sanctions.
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