Nato has intercepted three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets after they violated Estonian airspace in what the alliance described as a “reckless” 12-minute incursion over the Baltic Sea.
The move has heightened tensions in the region and triggered widespread condemnation from European leaders.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat and former Estonian prime minister, condemned Moscow’s actions as an “extremely dangerous provocation,” stressing that repeated violations of Nato’s eastern borders risk escalating the conflict further. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also backed Estonia, pledging that Europe would “respond to every provocation with determination” and urging the EU’s 27 member states to swiftly approve the bloc’s 19th sanctions package against Russia.
The Estonian defence forces said the MiG-31s were intercepted Friday morning near Vaindloo island in the Gulf of Finland by Italian F-35 jets stationed in Ämari, Estonia. According to officials, the Russian fighters had no flight plans, turned their transponders off, and ignored air traffic control communications before being forced to retreat. Estonian prime minister Kristen Michal confirmed on X that Nato fighters confronted the jets before they “fled,” calling the violation “totally unacceptable.”
Tallinn has requested Nato consultations under Article 4 of the alliance’s treaty, which requires members to consult if any state’s security or territorial integrity is threatened. Nato spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed that the North Atlantic Council will meet early next week to assess the situation.
Russia denied the accusations, insisting that its jets were on a routine flight from Karelia to Kaliningrad and had stayed over neutral Baltic waters at least 3km from Estonia’s Vaindloo island. Moscow claimed there was “no violation” of Estonian airspace.
Estonia’s foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, dismissed Moscow’s explanation, noting that Russia had already violated Estonian airspace four times this year. He described Friday’s incursion as “unprecedentedly brazen” and called for stronger political and economic pressure against Russia.
EU Council president António Costa said leaders will meet in Copenhagen on October 1 to discuss a collective response. “Today’s violation of Estonian airspace by three Russian military aircraft is another unacceptable provocation,” he wrote.
The incident follows Russia’s drone incursions into Polish airspace earlier this month, where more than 20 drones crossed the border overnight, prompting Nato jets to shoot some down. Analysts warn that Moscow may be deliberately testing Nato’s readiness and resolve.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy also condemned the incursion as “outrageous,” warning that Russia’s repeated violations across Europe are not accidents but part of a wider strategy. He urged allies to deliver a “systemic response” and “strong action.”
The White House confirmed President Donald Trump has been briefed on the violation. Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed displeasure, saying, “I don’t love it. I don’t like when that happens. Could be big trouble.”
Security experts caution that Russia’s actions could escalate. Jakub Godzimirski, a Russian security policy researcher at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, suggested Moscow may be testing Nato’s responses amid growing tensions.
Meanwhile, MI6 chief Richard Moore reiterated that Vladimir Putin shows “absolutely no evidence” of seeking peace in Ukraine, instead pursuing his “imperial will by all means.”
With Tallinn escalating the issue to Nato and EU leaders rallying around Estonia, the airspace violation underscores how fragile the security balance remains on Europe’s eastern flank.
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