Russian Fighter Jets Violate Estonian Airspace, Prompting Diplomatic Protest
TALLINN, Estonia – Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned a violation of its airspace Friday by three Russian MiG-31 fighter planes, calling it an act of “unprecedented audacity.” The aircraft reportedly entered Estonian airspace above the Gulf of Finland and remained there for 12 minutes.
This latest incursion marks the fifth instance of Russian airspace violations this year, escalating tensions in the region. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated, “Russia has already violated Estonian airspace four times this year, which is in itself unacceptable. But today’s foray, involving three fighter planes… is of an unprecedented audacity.” He further urged for “rapid political and economic measures” in response, adding on X (formerly Twitter), “Such acts cannot be tolerated and must be punished.”
The Estonian ministry has summoned a Russian Embassy official to lodge a formal protest. Previous violations occurred on May 13, June 22, and September 7.
As a member of both the European Union and NATO, Estonia does not operate its own combat aircraft for air defense. Instead, it relies on allies to police its skies, with Italian aviation currently undertaking this mission since August.
The incident drew condemnation from European Commission President Kaja Kallas, who described it as an “extremely perilous provocation” and noted it was the third violation of EU airspace in recent days, further heightening regional instability.
