Estonia has requested a consultation with other NATO members after Russian warplanes violated its airspace on Friday morning. Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered the Estonian skies without permission and remained there for a total of 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland, the government said.
Italy, Finland, and Sweden scrambled jets under NATO's mission to bolster its eastern flank. A NATO spokesperson said it was yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO's ability to respond.
Russia denied violating Estonian airspace. However, tensions have been escalating recently, as Poland and Romania—both NATO members—reported Russian drones breaching their airspace.
Article 4 of the NATO treaty formally starts urgent consultations within the 32-member alliance, which ties the US and many European nations together on collective defence. This marks the second time this month that a NATO member has requested Article 4 consultations—Poland did so on 10 September after Russian drones entered its airspace.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized, NATO's response to any provocation must be united and strong, and highlighted the importance of consulting with allies for shared situational awareness.
US President Donald Trump remarked Friday, I don't love it. I don't like when that happens. Could be big trouble. Czech President Petr Pavel suggested that NATO should respond to such provocations by shooting down the planes.
According to Estonian officials, this was the fifth violation of its airspace by Russian aircraft this year, with the Russian jets entering from the north-east and subsequently intercepted by Finnish jets.
The incident reflects a broader strategy where Russia has been gradually ramping up provocations to test NATO defenses, as highlighted by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. The situation continues to evolve, and NATO nations are under pressure to respond decisively to ensure regional stability.
Italy, Finland, and Sweden scrambled jets under NATO's mission to bolster its eastern flank. A NATO spokesperson said it was yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO's ability to respond.
Russia denied violating Estonian airspace. However, tensions have been escalating recently, as Poland and Romania—both NATO members—reported Russian drones breaching their airspace.
Article 4 of the NATO treaty formally starts urgent consultations within the 32-member alliance, which ties the US and many European nations together on collective defence. This marks the second time this month that a NATO member has requested Article 4 consultations—Poland did so on 10 September after Russian drones entered its airspace.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized, NATO's response to any provocation must be united and strong, and highlighted the importance of consulting with allies for shared situational awareness.
US President Donald Trump remarked Friday, I don't love it. I don't like when that happens. Could be big trouble. Czech President Petr Pavel suggested that NATO should respond to such provocations by shooting down the planes.
According to Estonian officials, this was the fifth violation of its airspace by Russian aircraft this year, with the Russian jets entering from the north-east and subsequently intercepted by Finnish jets.
The incident reflects a broader strategy where Russia has been gradually ramping up provocations to test NATO defenses, as highlighted by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. The situation continues to evolve, and NATO nations are under pressure to respond decisively to ensure regional stability.
