NATO countries, including Sweden, strongly condemn Russia's repeated airspace violations over Estonia. The incidents have sparked calls for increased defense measures and economic sanctions against Russia, with EU leaders urging swift action. The situation is seen as a test of Western resolve, reminiscent of Turkey's decisive response to a similar incident in 2015.
NATO Reacts to Russian Airspace Violations: A Call for Stronger Defense
NATO Reacts to Russian Airspace Violations: A Call for Stronger Defense
Russia's violation of Estonian airspace has provoked strong reactions among NATO member countries.
"PS: Turkey set an example 10 years ago. Something to think about," writes Lithuania's Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė on X, referring to Turkey's downing of a Russian fighter jet in 2015.
On Friday, three Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace. This marks the third time in just a few days that Russia has breached the airspace of a NATO country, prompting swift reactions.
The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, calls the violation an "extremely dangerous provocation."
"Putin is testing the resolve of the Western world. We must not show weakness," she writes on X.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen states that the union will "respond decisively."
"As threats escalate, so will our pressure. I urge EU leaders to quickly approve our 19th sanctions package."
Zelensky: "Unacceptable"
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky describes the violation as "completely unacceptable" and part of a "systematic Russian campaign against Europe."
"Russia must feel increasing pressure from the world, primarily through economic sanctions. At the same time, Russia's war losses must continue to increase, best achieved through a strong Ukrainian army."
UK Defense Minister John Healey writes on X: "Putin's aggression only strengthens NATO's unity and our resolve to stand by Ukraine."
France, which has a battalion stationed in Estonia, calls the intrusion a blatant violation of international law.
"This violation of Estonia is unprecedented in more than 20 years," says the foreign ministry in a statement according to The Guardian.
"Turkey Set an Example"
Lithuania's Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė argues that the incident is further proof that NATO must strengthen the defense of its eastern flank.
"We must be serious. PS: Turkey set an example ten years ago. Something to think about," she adds.
Šakalienė refers to Turkey's actions in 2015 when the country shot down a Russian fighter jet that violated Turkish airspace near the Syrian border.
Strong condemnations also come from Sweden. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson calls the incident "very remarkable," while Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard describes it as "brutal."
"Estonia has unfortunately become accustomed to Russian planes repeatedly violating Estonian airspace, but this was a more serious incident," she tells SVT News.