Nato has intercepted three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets that violated Estonia's airspace over the Baltic Sea, in what the alliance described as a 'reckless' act. The 12-minute incursion occurred on Friday near Vaindloo island in the Gulf of Finland, prompting Italian F-35s based in Estonia to scramble and intercept the aircraft.
The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called it an 'extremely dangerous provocation' that 'further escalates tensions in the region'. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe 'stands with Estonia' and would 'respond to every provocation with determination', urging swift approval of the 19th sanctions package against Moscow.
Russia denied the violation, stating the jets were conducting a routine flight from Karelia to Kaliningrad over neutral waters, more than 3km from Estonian territory. However, Estonian defence forces said the fighters had no flight plans, turned off transponders, and were not communicating with air traffic control.
Estonia's foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, described the incursion as 'unprecedentedly brazen', noting it was the fourth airspace violation by Russia this year. Tallinn summoned Russia's chargé d'affaires to protest, and Prime Minister Kristen Michal requested Nato consultations under Article 4 of the alliance's treaty.
A Nato spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying it 'responded immediately' and describing it as 'yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour'. The North Atlantic Council will convene early next week to discuss the matter. EU leaders are also set to address the issue at a meeting in Copenhagen on 1 October.
