In an unprecedented move, Vladimir Putin dispatched three MIG-31 fighter jets into the airspace of a NATO member country. The jets breached Estonia’s airspace without authorization, flying over the Vaindloo Island region and remaining in Estonian airspace for approximately 12 minutes. These Russian aircraft operated without two-way radio communication with local air traffic controllers and with their transponders turned off.
Estonian officials strongly condemned the violation by Putin’s government, labeling it as exceptionally aggressive. NATO confirmed intercepting the jets, emphasizing the recklessness of Russian actions and NATO’s swift response capabilities. Estonia’s Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, hinted at invoking NATO’s Article 4 for discussions among allies regarding territorial security threats after the incident.
US President Donald Trump expressed disapproval of Russia’s actions, indicating potential seriousness in the matter. Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, reported summoning Russian diplomats in response to the alarming escalation. Tsahkna criticized Russia’s repeated airspace violations and called for increased political and economic pressures to counter escalating border tests and aggression.
The Kremlin allegedly issued threats to Finland, a NATO member, hinting at a coordinated information campaign akin to actions preceding the invasion of Ukraine. Recent aggressive rhetoric from Moscow towards Finland has raised concerns of potential offensive strategies. Russian drones were recently intercepted in Polish airspace, prompting the UK government to impose new sanctions on Moscow.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reaffirmed the UK’s stance against Putin’s actions, citing the recent drone incursion into NATO airspace as evidence of Russia’s blatant disregard for sovereignty. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of escalating tensions with Putin, likening the situation to the closest brink of conflict since World War Two.
The downing of Russian drones over NATO territory marked a significant escalation since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. In response, Warsaw invoked NATO’s Article 4 for consultations among allies on territorial security threats. These escalating tensions underscore the growing confrontation between the Kremlin and Western allies, with a Putin spokesman asserting that NATO countries are effectively at war with Russia over the Ukrainian crisis.
