On Friday, NATO intercepts Russian jets after three MiG-31 fighters violated Estonia’s airspace over the Gulf of Finland. The Estonian foreign ministry said the jets remained in its skies for 12 minutes without permission. Italian F-35s under NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission, supported by Swedish and Finnish aircraft, responded quickly and forced the jets to flee.
Estonian Prime Minister Krisen Michal called the violation “totally unacceptable” and requested NATO Article 4 consultations. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the response as “quick and decisive.” A spokesperson confirmed that the North Atlantic Council will meet early next week to decide on further steps.
Estonia summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires in protest. Hours later, Poland reported that Russian fighter jets flew low over a Petrobaltic oil platform in the Baltic Sea, adding to regional tensions.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna described the incident as “unprecedentedly brazen,” noting that Russia has already violated Estonian airspace four times this year. He urged stronger political and economic pressure on Moscow.
Other European leaders echoed Estonia’s concern. Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said Russia is trying to undermine NATO unity but achieving the opposite. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the act “an extremely dangerous provocation” and warned that Putin is testing Western resolve. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also condemned the violation as part of a broader campaign against Europe.
In response, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pushed for new sanctions, saying the EU will “respond to every provocation with determination.” The UK also pledged support, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urging stronger economic measures against Moscow.
The latest violation follows similar incidents in Poland and Romania this month. Last week, NATO jets shot down Russian drones over Poland, marking the first time the alliance used force since the start of the Ukraine war. With repeated incursions, allies are preparing to reinforce defenses on NATO’s eastern flank.
