Estonia has requested a consultation with other NATO members after Russian warplanes violated its airspace on Friday morning.
Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered the Estonian skies without permission and remained there for a total of 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland, the government said.
Italy, Finland, and Sweden scrambled jets under NATO's mission to bolster its eastern flank. A NATO spokesperson commented that it was yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO's ability to respond.
Russia denied violating Estonian airspace. Recent tensions have escalated, with Poland and Romania claiming breaches of their airspace by Russian drones.
Article 4 of the NATO treaty initiates urgent consultations within the 32-member alliance, emphasizing collective defense among its members. This marks the second such consultation request this month, as Poland did so on September 10th after similar drone incidents.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stressed that NATO's response to any provocation must be united and strong. We consider it essential to consult with our allies to ensure shared situational awareness and to agree on our next joint steps.
US President Donald Trump voiced concern over the incident, stating, I don't love it. I don't like when that happens. Could be big trouble.
Czech President Petr Pavel suggested that NATO should respond to such provocations forcefully. He mentioned, Unfortunately, this is a balancing act bordering on the edge of conflict, but one simply cannot retreat in the face of evil.
Estonia shares a border with Russia and cited this violation as the fifth incursion this year. Officials reported that the Russian aircraft entered from the northeast, were escorted out by NATO jets, and had not filed proper flight plans.
Russia claimed its planes were operating in compliance with international regulations and flew over neutral waters, denying any breach of Estonian airspace.
This incident, however, is not isolated, according to Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who likened it to a strategy of gradual provocation by Russia. Calls from various leaders regarding a tougher stance on such aggressions have emerged, indicating the precarious state of regional security amidst ongoing conflicts.
Last week, Poland confirmed it downed several Russian drones that had entered its airspace under disputed circumstances, further complicating the situation in Eastern Europe.
}
