Tallinn, September 20(HS): Estonia has triggered Nato Article 4 consultations after accusing Russia of a “brazen” violation of its airspace on Friday when three MiG-31 fighter jets reportedly entered Estonian skies for 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland.
Estonia’s foreign ministry said the warplanes flew without flight plans, had transponders switched off, and ignored radio contact. Italian F-35s stationed in Estonia eventually intercepted the jets under Nato’s Baltic Air Policing mission, supported by Finnish aircraft. Russia, however, denied the breach, insisting its fighters operated “strictly within international regulations” and remained above neutral Baltic waters.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stressed the gravity of the incursion, calling it “unprecedented”, and said Estonia sought urgent alliance-wide talks to coordinate a “united and strong response”. Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur underscored that the prolonged presence of Russian aircraft marked a new level of provocation, asserting the Kremlin was trying to distract attention from its faltering war in Ukraine.
The incident comes amid rising tensions after both Poland and Romania reported Russian drones entering their airspace earlier this month. Poland responded by downing several drones, while Romania deployed F-16 jets to monitor its skies during Russian strikes on Ukraine’s Danube infrastructure.
European leaders condemned Russia’s actions, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warning that President Vladimir Putin was “testing the West’s resolve” and urging allies not to show weakness. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed that sentiment, pledging a hardened European response and stronger Nato presence along the eastern flank.
US President Donald Trump said he was awaiting a briefing, admitting, “I don’t like when that happens. Could be big trouble.”
The incident marks the fifth recorded Russian airspace violation against Estonia in 2025, highlighting the increasingly volatile security climate across Nato’s eastern borders.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
