Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace, prompting a swift response from NATO. The incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by Russia to European security, as emphasized by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Estonia's Foreign Ministry has lodged a protest, and EU leaders are urged to approve new sanctions.
Russian Fighter Jets Violate Estonian Airspace, Prompting NATO Response
Russian Fighter Jets Violate Estonian Airspace
Three fighter jets violated Estonian airspace on Friday, reports ERR. “This incident, like other recent Russian violations of NATO countries' airspace, once again illustrates the seriousness of the Russian threat to European security,” comments Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
The violation occurred on Friday morning, near the island of Vaindloo in the Gulf of Finland, approximately 60 kilometers from Tallinn.
The MiG-31 jets were in the country's airspace for twelve minutes. They had neither flight plans nor activated transponders and did not communicate with Estonian air traffic control.
MiG-31 planes are stationed at a military base in the Kaliningrad region and can be equipped with hypersonic missiles, according to TT.
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart states that the defense alliance “reacted immediately and stopped the Russian planes.”
“This is yet another example of Russia's reckless behavior and NATO's ability to respond,” she writes on X.
“Unprecedentedly Brutal”
Due to the incident, Estonia's Foreign Ministry has summoned Russia's chargé d'affaires in the country to lodge a protest.
“Russia has violated Estonian airspace four times this year, which is unacceptable in itself, but today's violation where three fighter jets entered our airspace is unprecedentedly brutal,” says Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna in a statement according to ERR.
“Russia's increasingly frequent testing of boundaries and aggression must be met with a swift strengthening of political and economic pressure,” he continues.
Kristersson: “Remarkable”
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson calls the reports of the violation “very remarkable.”
“This incident, like other recent Russian violations of NATO countries' airspace, once again illustrates the seriousness of the Russian threat to European security and that our and NATO's readiness is constantly tested,” he says in a written comment.
“The Swedish Air Force has constant incident readiness to handle events like this. Sweden stands as a NATO member in solidarity with our allies and contributes to security in our region.”
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen states that the EU will “respond decisively to any provocation.”
“As threats escalate, so will our pressure. I urge EU leaders to quickly approve our 19th sanctions package,” she writes on X.
Last week, Russian drones entered both Polish and Romanian airspace.