EU, NATO denounce alleged Russian violation of Estonian airspace

EU leaders and NATO denounced an alleged Russian violation of Estonia's airspace on Friday.

"Today's violation of Estonia's airspace by Russian military aircraft is an extremely dangerous provocation. This marks the third such violation of EU airspace in days and further escalates tensions in the region," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote on the US social media company, X.

She noted that Moscow is testing the "West's resolve" and urged states not to show "weakness."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed to respond to every "provocation" with "determination" while investing in a stronger Eastern flank.

"As threats escalate, so too will our pressure. I call on EU leaders to swiftly approve our 19th sanctions package," von der Leyen added on X.

The NATO spokesperson further noted on X that the alliance responded "immediately" and intercepted the Russian aircraft.

"This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond," Allison Hart further noted.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK "stands with our Estonian allies" after "yet another reckless incursion into NATO airspace."

Germany’s Foreign Ministry said: "Vigilance is the price of freedom. Russia's unacceptable violation of Estonian airspace today has shown that this principle of NATO is now more relevant than ever. Estonia and my colleague @Tsahkna have Germany's full solidarity."

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen called the violation “dangerous and reckless,” adding: “We remain united and committed to our objective to weaken Russia, support Ukraine and strengthen European deterrence and defence. Estonia can count on our support.”

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he spoke with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, stressing that "NATO’s response under Eastern Sentry was quick and decisive."

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel also condemned the move, saying, "Once again, Russia is violating NATO airspace. The Netherlands condemns Russia’s reckless behaviour. We stand in full solidarity with our ally Estonia."

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said NATO’s Baltic air policing mission must be transformed into a full air defense mission, stressing: "Latvia stands in full solidarity with our Estonian friends and neighbours."

Lithuanian presidential adviser Kestutis Budrys warned that Russia was “testing NATO’s limits,” adding: “These are not accidents. The Alliance is being tested militarily. We must sharpen NATO’s posture to the point where no one dares to test our deterrence.”

Croatia’s Foreign Ministry voiced concern, calling the incursion a “serious threat” and pledging solidarity with Estonia.

Estonia accused Russia on Friday of violating its airspace after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered the Baltic country’s skies without permission.

The Foreign Ministry said the incident occurred in the area of Vaindloo Island on Friday morning, with the jets remaining in Estonian airspace for nearly 12 minutes, national news agency ERR reported.

According to officials, the aircraft had no flight plans, their transponders were switched off, and they did not establish two-way radio communication with Estonian air traffic services during the violation.

In response, the ministry summoned the charge d'affaires of the Russian Federation in Estonia to lodge a formal protest and deliver a note regarding the violation.

Russia has yet to respond to the claims.

Romania's Defense Ministry also said Saturday that a Russian drone entered its airspace during an attack on Ukraine, the latest in a series of cross-border incidents along NATO’s eastern flank.

Last week, Poland also said that at least 19 drones crossed into Polish airspace when Russia was attacking Ukraine. Russia, however, said the incursion was not deliberate.

On the alleged incursion in Romania, Russia said it was a "provocation" by Ukraine, calling the claim "unfounded."