Estonia Accuses Russian Jets of Airspace Violation; Moscow Denies, Citing Neutral Waters | WPN World People News

The Estonian government on the 19th accused three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets of entering Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland and lingering near Vaindloo Island for about 12 minutes. The incident prompted condemnation from the EU and NATO, which described it as a dangerous act of provocation.

According to Estonian and Italian officials, Italian F-35 fighter jets under NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission were immediately scrambled to intercept the Russian aircraft and issue a warning.

The Estonian Defense Forces stated that the three Russian jets had not filed a flight plan, had switched off their transponders, and refused to communicate with Estonian air traffic control. Estonia stressed that such actions undermine international norms and threaten regional security.

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart criticized Russia’s move as “reckless and provocative,” adding that NATO had demonstrated its ability to respond immediately to challenges. Several EU countries also voiced concern and expressed support for Estonia’s position.

However, Russia’s Ministry of Defense later denied the airspace violation. Moscow claimed the aircraft were on a routine flight, following a designated route through neutral Baltic airspace, at least three kilometers from Estonia’s border, and never entered its airspace. Russia emphasized that it has “objective verification data” proving Estonia’s accusations are unfounded.

The incident has since escalated into a new diplomatic dispute between Estonia and Russia. Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Russian diplomats to deliver a note of protest and has called on NATO and the EU to strengthen security along their eastern borders.