Estonia Accuses Russia of Airspace Violation After MiG-31 Jets Enter Gulf of Finland

Tensions on NATO’s eastern flank have escalated after Estonia accused Russia of violating its airspace with three MiG-31 fighter jets. The Estonian government reported that the aircraft entered its territory over the Gulf of Finland on Friday and remained for 12 minutes before leaving.

The incident comes just days after Poland complained that nearly 20 Russian drones crossed into its territory, although Moscow denied that Poland was targeted. With Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, NATO members have expressed growing concern about frequent incursions testing Western air defences.

Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, condemned the latest violation as a direct provocation. “Russia has already violated Estonia’s airspace four times this year, which in itself is unacceptable. But today’s incursion is unprecedentedly brazen,” he said.

Tsahkna urged for stronger international measures, adding: “Russia’s increasingly extensive testing of boundaries and growing aggressiveness must be met with a swift increase in political and economic pressure.”

The Estonian Defence Ministry also confirmed the airspace breach, noting that such incidents highlight the urgent need for NATO to reinforce security in the Baltic region.

As tensions continue to rise, the violation underscores growing concerns among NATO allies over Russia’s military maneuvers near their borders.