Russia has dismissed Estonia’s accusation that three of its fighter jets violated Estonian airspace, calling the claims false and an attempt to stir conflict.
Tallinn announced on Friday that three Russian MiG-31 aircraft crossed into Estonian airspace without authorization and remained there for 12 minutes before being escorted out.
Responding to the allegation, a Kremlin spokesperson said Moscow had not seen Estonia provide evidence and insisted that Russian pilots operate within international law.
Diplomatic Fallout
The dispute comes as the UN Security Council convenes on Monday at Estonia’s request, describing the alleged breach as a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty.
On Tuesday, NATO’s North Atlantic Council (NAC) will meet at ambassador level under Article 4 of the alliance’s founding treaty, which allows members to request consultations when their security is threatened.
The confrontation underscores heightened tensions between Russia and NATO, following a series of similar incidents in Eastern Europe.
Poland’s Tusk
Poland will not hesitate to shoot down any airborne object that enters its territory without permission and poses a threat, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Monday. “There is absolutely no discussion about it,” he said, while stressing that in less clear situations — such as flights near international waters — caution was needed to avoid escalating the conflict.
Earlier this month, Warsaw said more than 20 Russian drones entered its territory, and on Friday it reported two Russian fighter jets had breached the safety zone around a Baltic Sea drilling platform.
He added that Warsaw will take a more cautious approach in situations that are not clear-cut, and that any action must have the backing of allies.
Tusk also underlined the importance of unity among allies, saying Poland must be certain that NATO partners would respond in the same way if the situation intensified.
