NATO scrambles jets as Russia violates Estonian airspace, EU warns of escalation

“Earlier today, Russian jets violated Estonian airspace. NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft,” alliance spokesperson Allison Hart posted on X. “This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond.”

Estonian authorities said the Russian jets entered their airspace over the Gulf of Finland and remained for about 12 minutes.

They were met by Italian F-35 aircraft currently deployed under NATO’s Baltic air policing mission.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen voiced solidarity with Tallinn and wrote on X: “Europe stands with Estonia in the face of Russia’s latest violation of our airspace. As threats escalate, so too will our pressure.”

She highlighted the EU’s proposed 19th package of sanctions against Moscow for approval by member states.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who previously served as Estonia’s prime minister, condemned the incident as the third airspace violation within two weeks. She described it as an “extremely dangerous provocation” and warned it risked further escalating regional tensions.

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

The incursion follows recent airspace violations reported over Poland and Romania, underscoring the growing strain between Moscow and NATO allies as the Ukraine war grinds on.