Italian NATO jets intercept Russian aircraft over Estonia

Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes on Friday, the NATO member state announced.

The alleged breach over the Gulf of Finland occurred amid increased tensions on NATO’s eastern border, following Poland’s complaint last week that approximately 20 Russian drones flew over its territory. Moscow denied targeting Poland.

“Russia has already violated Estonia’s airspace four times this year, which in itself is unacceptable. But today’s incursion is unprecedentedly brazen,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.

EU leaders condemn “brazen” airspace violation

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas responded to the incident on social media platform X, calling it “an extremely dangerous provocation.”

“This marks the third such violation of EU airspace in days and further escalates tensions in the region,” Kallas said. “Putin is testing the West’s resolve. We must not show weakness.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen linked the incident to the need for swift approval of new sanctions against Russia, calling on EU leaders to “swiftly approve our 19th sanctions package.”

NATO forces intercept Russian aircraft over Baltic

The Estonian army confirmed that Italian F-35 aircraft based at Ämari intercepted the Russian fighter jets as part of an air policing mission over the Baltic Sea.

NATO spokesperson Alison Hart issued a statement confirming the alliance’s immediate response: “NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft. This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond.”

Russia has frequently tested Western air defences during its war on Ukraine, but Estonian officials complained that the sorties have become more provocative in recent months.

“Russia’s increasingly extensive testing of boundaries and growing aggressiveness must be met with a swift increase in political and economic pressure,” Tsahkna added.