Estonia Invokes NATO After Russian Jets Airspace Breach
Estonian authorities say three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets breached Estonia’s airspace near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland and stayed inside for around 12 minutes without proper flight plans or transponder signals. Estonia called it an “unprecedentedly brazen” violation.
NATO Consultation Invoked
In response to the breach, Estonia has triggered consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty. Article 4 allows any NATO member to request meetings of the alliance if they believe their territorial integrity or security is threatened. Estonia’s prime minister described the violation as “totally unacceptable.”
Russia Denies Violation
The Russian Defence Ministry has denied that its jets entered Estonia’s airspace. It claims the aircraft flew over international or neutral Baltic Sea waters, maintaining a distance of more than three kilometres from Estonian territory.
Regional Implications
This breach marks Estonia’s fourth reported airspace violation by Russian aircraft this year. It follows similar incidents involving other NATO countries, including drone incursions in Poland and Romania. The incident increases tension in the Baltic region and may lead to diplomatic or military responses from NATO members.
