Estonia Reports Nearly 15-Minute Russian Airspace Violation by Three MiG-31 Jets, Triggers NATO Article 4 Consultations

Tallinn, Estonia – The Estonian Defense Ministry has released a map detailing the approximate route of three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets that reportedly violated Estonian airspace yesterday, remaining for nearly a quarter of an hour. This "unprecedentedly brazen" incursion, as described by Estonian officials, has prompted Estonia to request urgent consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, signaling a significant escalation in regional tensions.

The incident involved three supersonic interceptors operating without flight plans, transponders switched off, and no communication with Estonian air traffic control, according to Estonian authorities. The jets reportedly loitered over NATO territory near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland before being intercepted by Italian F-35 fighter jets, part of NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission. "No accident here - 3 supersonic interceptors, no comms, no clearance, and no identifiers, loitering over NATO territory for nearly a quarter of an hour," stated a report by Mario Nawfal, citing the Estonian MOD and @clashreport.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned the violation, calling it "unacceptable" and part of a broader pattern of Russian provocations. Russia's Defense Ministry, however, denied any airspace breach, asserting that its jets were on a scheduled flight over neutral Baltic waters and did not violate international regulations. This denial was dismissed by Estonian officials, who confirmed the violation through radar and visual identification.

The incursion follows recent Russian drone violations of Polish and Romanian airspace, intensifying concerns among NATO members about Russia's intentions. US President Donald Trump commented on the incident, stating, "I don't love it. I don't like when that happens. Could be big trouble." Czech President Petr Pavel suggested NATO should consider shooting down planes in such provocations, emphasizing that "one simply cannot retreat in the face of evil."

For a frontline Baltic state like Estonia, this incident is viewed as a clear signal sent directly to Brussels and Washington, testing NATO's resolve and collective defense capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also condemned the violation, urging allies to take "strong action." The European Union is expected to discuss a collective response to these airspace violations at an upcoming meeting.