BREAKING: 3 Russian MiG-31 jets violate Estonian airspace, Tallinn says
Editor's note: This story has been updated with statements from NATO, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
Estonia summoned Russia's charge d'affaires on Sept. 19 after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered the Baltic nation's airspace for 12 minutes, the Foreign Ministry said.
The incursion occurred over the Gulf of Finland, where the aircraft crossed into Estonian territory without permission before departing. The Estonian Defence Forces confirmed the violation.
"Russia has already violated Estonia's airspace four times this year, which in itself is unacceptable. But today's incursion, involving three fighter aircraft entering our airspace, is unprecedentedly brazen," Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.
The Estonian Foreign Ministry said Moscow had been handed a formal protest note over the violation.
Russia has not publicly commented on the incursion.
NATO Spokesperson Allison Hart wrote on X that the alliance "responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft," calling the incident "yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO's ability to respond."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the violation, saying, "We will respond to every provocation with determination while investing in a stronger Eastern flank. As threats escalate, so too will our pressure. I call on EU leaders to swiftly approve our 19th sanctions package."
The European Commission proposed its 19th sanctions package on Sept. 19, which includes a complete import ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas called the violation "an extremely dangerous provocation," noting it was the third such breach of EU airspace in recent days.
"The EU stands in full solidarity with Estonia. I am in close contact with the Estonian government. We will continue to support our member states in strengthening their defences with European resources," she said, adding: "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin is testing the West's resolve. We must not show weakness."
The violation comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Earlier this month, Poland confirmed that it had shot down Russian drones that entered its airspace during a mass aerial attack on Ukraine — the first time a NATO member has directly engaged Russian military assets over its own territory during the war.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the Sept. 10 incident as "an unprecedented violation of Polish airspace" and said it brought Europe "the closest we have been to open conflict since World War II."
In response, Warsaw temporarily closed its main airport, placed its air defenses on high alert, and requested consultations with NATO allies under Article 4 of the alliance's treaty.
Polish authorities have since launched a review of bomb shelters nationwide as part of a multibillion-zloty civil defense program to improve readiness in the event of further escalations.
