Estonia Calls for NATO Consultation Following Russian Airspace Violation

Tue Oct 14 2025 12:07:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In light of recent airspace violations by Russian jets, Estonia has sought consultations with NATO allies to address escalating tensions.

Estonia has formally requested NATO consultations after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets infringed upon its airspace for 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland. This recent incident, which has escalated tensions following similar breaches reported by Poland and Romania, prompted NATO members to respond. The situation underscores ongoing challenges around airspace security and collective defense among NATO allies amid growing concerns regarding Russia's military actions.

Estonia has requested a consultation with other NATO members after Russian warplanes violated its airspace on Friday morning.

Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered the Estonian skies without permission and remained there for a total of 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland, according to the Estonian government.

In response, Italy, Finland, and Sweden scrambled jets as part of NATO's mission to reinforce its eastern flank. A NATO spokesperson remarked that this incident is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO's ability to respond. While Russia denied violating Estonian airspace, tensions have been mounting after Poland and Romania reported drone incursions by Russian forces.

According to Article 4 of the NATO treaty, urgent consultations may be initiated when a member's territorial integrity is threatened. This marks the second Article 4 request this month, with Poland filing a similar plea on September 10 after Russian drones breached its airspace.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized the necessity of a unified and strong NATO response to such provocations, highlighting the importance of shared situational awareness among allies: We consider it essential to consult with our allies to ensure shared situational awareness and to agree on our next joint steps.

On a related note, US President Donald Trump remarked on the situation, stating, I don't love it. I don't like when that happens. Could be big trouble. Czech President Petr Pavel further suggested that NATO should consider shooting down violating aircraft as a response to deter future aggressions.

Estonia, neighboring Russia, noted that this is the fifth Russian violation of its airspace in 2023. The Russian jets were intercepted by Finnish jets and escorted out by Italian F-35s stationed in Estonia, as they entered airspace without flight plans and transponders.

Despite Russia's assertion that its jets followed international regulations, the incident reflects a trend of provocative military actions by Moscow, with Estonian officials indicating a strategic aim to distract NATO from its support for Ukraine.

In response to Russia's increasing incursions, NATO is mobilizing resources, with aircraft from multiple member nations conducting air defense missions to strengthen the alliance's presence in Eastern Europe.