Violation Over the Gulf of Finland
Nato confirmed on Friday that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland. The aircraft entered without permission, had no flight plans, and flew with transponders switched off. Nato jets from Finland and Italy responded under the Baltic Air Policing mission, escorting the Russian planes out.
Estonia’s Response and Article 4 Request
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced that his government will request Nato Article 4 consultations, which trigger urgent alliance-wide discussions. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna described the incursion as “unprecedentedly brazen,” warning that Russia’s actions must be met with stronger political and economic pressure. Estonia summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires to lodge a formal protest.
Regional Escalations
The airspace violation follows recent Russian drone incursions into Poland and Romania, both Nato members. Poland reported shooting down multiple drones, while Romania detected one near its border with Ukraine. Although Moscow insisted the incidents were accidental, European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, stressed the need for a stronger eastern flank to deter future provocations.
Strengthening Nato’s Eastern Flank
Nato has pledged to move additional troops and fighter jets eastwards, with the UK, France, Germany, and Denmark contributing to air defence operations over Poland. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur called the incursion “unprecedented” and urged the alliance to prioritize security along its eastern border. “We keep the front door closed here in Estonia,” he said.