Estonia has formally requested a Nato Article 4 consultation after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated its airspace over the Baltic Sea. The 12-minute incursion on Friday prompted Nato jets to intercept and confront the Russian aircraft, which were forced to flee. Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed the incident on social media, calling it an unacceptable violation.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna described the incursion as “unprecedentedly brazen,” noting that Russia has violated Estonia’s airspace four times this year. The Estonian Defence Forces reported that the MiG-31s entered near Vaindloo island in the Gulf of Finland, without flight plans, with transponders off, and not communicating with air traffic control. Italian F-35 fighter jets based in Ämari, Estonia, intercepted them as part of Nato’s air policing mission.
European leaders condemned the violation as proof of Moscow’s reckless behaviour. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it “outrageous” and urged allies to take strong action against Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Moscow of an “extremely dangerous provocation,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe “stands with Estonia” and called for swift approval of a 19th sanctions package against Russia.
Nato spokesperson Allison Hart said the North Atlantic Council will convene early next week to discuss the incident after Estonia’s Article 4 request. Article 4 allows any member to bring a security concern to the alliance for consultation, but does not mandate military action. This is distinct from Article 5, the collective defence clause invoked only once after the 9/11 attacks.
EU leaders are set to discuss their collective response to Russian airspace violations at a meeting in Copenhagen on 1 October, according to European Council President António Costa. Major Taavi Karotamm of the Estonian Defence Forces suggested the violation may have been intended to shift Nato’s focus away from supporting Ukraine.
