In a high-stakes diplomatic warning, European representatives informed Russia in private that NATO is prepared to shoot down Russian aircraft if violations of allied airspace continue. The revelation follows the entry of Russian MiG-31 fighter jets into Estonian airspace on September 19.

Secret meeting in Moscow

According to Bloomberg, which cited anonymous officials familiar with the negotiations, diplomats from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany held a tense meeting in Moscow this week. They raised concerns over the airspace breach, which lasted 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland. European officials concluded that the incursion was deliberate and likely ordered by Russian commanders.

During the talks, Russian diplomats claimed the violations were a response to “Ukrainian attacks in Crimea,” arguing that the alleged operations could not have occurred without NATO support. This, the Kremlin suggested, implicated European nations in the conflict.

A direct message to Putin

European delegates interpreted Russia’s detailed note-taking during the discussions as a sign that NATO’s position would be formally reported to President Vladimir Putin. The warning underscores NATO’s commitment to defending its member states, including Estonia, against unauthorized incursions.

Reactions and next steps

The Estonian government immediately sought NATO’s guidance following the incident. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for swift approval of the EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia, while European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the airspace breach.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry insisted that the MiG-31s had not violated Estonian airspace, rejecting claims of wrongdoing.

The episode marks another escalation in tensions between NATO and Russia, highlighting the fragile security situation in Eastern Europe and the Baltic region.