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Estonia’s foreign minister condemned the incursion as ‘unprecedentedly brazen’
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Three Russian fighter jets entered Estonian airspace and remained there without permission for 12 minutes, the Estonian government has said.
It is the third Russian incursion into Nato airspace in a fortnight after drones flew into both Poland and Romania, in moves condemned by the military alliance.
US president Donald Trump said on Friday he would soon be briefed on the situation, but made clear he was not pleased.
He told reporters: “I don’t love it. I don’t like when that happens. Could be big trouble.”
Estonian foreign minister Margus Tsakhna said that Russia had already violated Estonian airspace four times this year “but today’s incursion, involving three fighter aircraft entering our airspace, is unprecedentedly brazen.”
His ministry said that the incursion took place over the Gulf of Finland and three Russian MIG-31 fighters were involved. The Russian charge d’affaires was summoned and given a protest note, a ministry statement said.
The North Atlantic Council, Nato’s main political decision-making body, is due to meet in Estonia early next week to discuss the Russian incursion.
US President Donald Trump has now spoken out about the incursion, saying he would soon be briefed on Russia’s airspace violation in Estonia.
He said: “I don’t love it. I don’t like when that happens. Could be big trouble.”
During his state visit to the UK on Thursday, Trump said Putin “has really let me down” in peace efforts.
The Estonian foreign ministry summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires, a diplomat who temporarily serves as an ambassador, to give them a note protesting Russia’s incursion.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said: “Russia’s increasingly extensive testing of boundaries and growing aggressiveness must be met with a swift increase in political and economic pressure.”
Volodymyr Zelensky has called the incursion in Estonia’s airspace “outrageous” and warned that Moscow’s destabilising measures were expanding into new directions.
“They use every tool: from interference in political processes, as in Romania and Moldova, to violations of airspace, as in Poland, Romania, and now Estonia.”
He emphasised that Moscow’s actions were not accidental but rather a “systematic Russian campaign” against NATO.
“Strong action must be taken—both collectively and individually by each nation.
“Russia must feel increasing pain from the world’s pressure, first and foremost through its economy, and that is best ensured by sanctions.”
NATO is set to assemble in Estonia next week to discuss Russia’s incursion into its airspace.
Allison Hart, the organisation’s spokesperson, said that the North Atlantic Council would convene early next week.
Estonia requested consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty.
The article states that parties will consult together when “the territorial integrity, political independence or security” of any party is at risk.
It was last triggered by Poland on 10 September after Russia’s incursion into its airspace.
Earlier today, Mrs Hart condemned the airspace violence. “This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond,” she said.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the principle of NATO has lost none of its relevance.
“Russia’s unacceptable violation of Estonian airspace today demonstrates this clearly,” he said.
Mr Wadephul said he had assured Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna that Germany stood in full solidarity.
Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said NATO’s borders were being tested for a reason.
In a post on X, she said: “Three russian fighter jets over Tallinn is one more hard proof that #EasternSentry is long due.
“PS. Türkiye set an example 10 years ago. Some food for thought.”
In 2015, a Russian aircraft was shot down by the Turkish air force after it was claimed to have violated its airspace.
Nato’s secretary general Mark Rutte said he has just spoken to Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal.
“NATO’s response under Eastern Sentry was quick and decisive,” he said.
Estonia is requesting NATO Article 4 consultations, Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced.
The article states that parties will consult together when “the territorial integrity, political independence or security” of any party is at risk.
It was triggered by Poland last week after Russia’s incursion into its airspace.
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