RUSSIA – Estonia reported that 3 Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated its airspace on Friday for 12 minutes, with NATO adding that it responded to intercept and stop the aircraft.

NATO, together with EU leaders later issued condemnations on social media, calling it “provocation.”

The EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote on X that “Today’s violation of Estonia’s airspace by Russian military aircraft is an extremely dangerous provocation. This marks the third such violation of EU airspace in days and further escalates tensions in the region,” adding that Russia was “testing west’s resolve.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed to respond to every “provocation” with “determination” while investing in a stronger Eastern flank.

“As threats escalate, so too will our pressure. I call on EU leaders to swiftly approve our 19th sanctions package,” she wrote on X.

The NATO spokesperson further noted on X that the alliance responded “immediately” and intercepted the Russian aircraft.

“This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond,” Allison Hart further noted.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK “stands with our Estonian allies” after “yet another reckless incursion into NATO airspace.”

Germany’s Foreign Ministry said: “Vigilance is the price of freedom. Russia’s unacceptable violation of Estonian airspace today has shown that this principle of NATO is now more relevant than ever. Estonia and my colleague @Tsahkna have Germany’s full solidarity.”

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen called the violation “dangerous and reckless,” adding: “We remain united and committed to our objective to weaken Russia, support Ukraine and strengthen European deterrence and defence. Estonia can count on our support.”

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he spoke with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, stressing that “NATO’s response under Eastern Sentry was quick and decisive.”

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel also condemned the move, saying, “Once again, Russia is violating NATO airspace. The Netherlands condemns Russia’s reckless behaviour. We stand in full solidarity with our ally Estonia.”

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said NATO’s Baltic air policing mission must be transformed into a full air defense mission, stressing: “Latvia stands in full solidarity with our Estonian friends and neighbours.”

Lithuanian presidential adviser Kestutis Budrys warned that Russia was “testing NATO’s limits,” adding: “These are not accidents. The Alliance is being tested militarily. We must sharpen NATO’s posture to the point where no one dares to test our deterrence.”

Croatia’s Foreign Ministry voiced concern, calling the incursion a “serious threat” and pledging solidarity with Estonia.

What Russia Said About the Alleged Violation

The Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets flying to the Kaliningrad region did not violate Estonian airspace.

It said the jets conducted a planned flight Friday from the Karelia region to a military airfield in Kaliningrad.

The ministry emphasized that the flight was carried out in strict compliance with international airspace regulations and the aircraft did not cross into the territory of any state, “as confirmed by objective observations.”

“During the flight, Russian aircraft did not deviate from the designated route and did not violate Estonian airspace. The flight path remained more than three kilometers away from Vaindloo Island, over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea,” it said.