NATO intercepts three Russian warplanes violating Estonian airspace

Estonia, a NATO member, said the flyover which happened
Friday was “brazen”.

The Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered the airspace over
the Gulf of Finland and remained there for 12 minutes, the Estonian foreign
ministry said.

The ministry has summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires over
the violation.

“This is an unprecedented and brazen intrusion – clear proof
of Russia’s growing aggression,” Margus Tsahkna, Estonian minister of foreign
affairs, said.

Tsahkna said such actions would not be tolerated and called
for “swift political and economic pressure”.

Allison Hart, the NATO spokesperson, said the military
alliance “responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft”.

Hart called it “yet another example of reckless Russian
behaviour”.

Tensions between the military alliance and the European
country have risen since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. However, recent
violations have amplified this pressure.

Estonia is the latest NATO member country to report airspace
incursion by Russian jets and drones after Poland and Romania reported similar
incidents last week.

NATO fighter jets shot down multiple Russian drones that
violated the Polish airspace during an attack on neighbouring Ukraine.

Kaja Kallas, EU high representative for foreign affairs and
security policy, said Friday’s airspace violation was an “extremely dangerous
provocation” from Russia.

“Putin is testing the West’s resolve. We must not show
weakness,” Kallas added.

Kallas, who is also the vice president of the European
Commission (EU), noted that she was in close contact with the Estonian
government.

She added that the commission would continue to support its
member states in strengthening their defences with European resources.

The Russian government has yet to comment on the
development.