Estonia Invokes NATO Article 4 After Russian Jets Enter Its Airspace for Third Time This Week

By The Blogging Hounds Estonia has formally requested consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty following a brazen incursion by Russian military jets on Friday, marking the third incident involving Russian aircraft in NATO’s eastern flank in just over a week. The move underscores mounting tensions in the Baltics as Moscow continues to test…

By The Blogging Hounds

Estonia has formally requested consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty following a brazen incursion by Russian military jets on Friday, marking the third incident involving Russian aircraft in NATO’s eastern flank in just over a week. The move underscores mounting tensions in the Baltics as Moscow continues to test the alliance’s resolve.

Russian MiG-31s Violate Estonian Airspace

Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace early Friday near the Baltic Sea island of Vaindloo, remaining for approximately 12 minutes without authorization, according to the Estonian military. The aircraft did not transmit flight plans, switched off their electronic identification, and failed to maintain radio contact with Estonian air traffic control.

NATO responded immediately. Italian F-35 fighter jets, deployed under the alliance’s Baltic Air Policing mission, intercepted and escorted the Russian jets out of Estonian airspace. NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart described the incursion as “yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond.”

Estonia Calls for NATO Consultations

Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized that the violation is “completely unacceptable” and called for unity among NATO allies. “It is essential to consult with our allies to ensure shared situational awareness and to agree on our next joint steps,” Michal said, stressing that the alliance is treating the incident seriously.

The Estonian Foreign Ministry summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Russian embassy and handed over a note of protest. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called the incursion “unprecedentedly brazen” and demanded a rapid increase in political and economic pressure against Russia for its repeated violations.

EU and NATO Leaders Respond

EU leaders have expressed solidarity with Estonia. Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas labeled the incident “an extremely dangerous provocation,” noting it was the third violation of EU airspace in recent days. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed, “Europe stands with Estonia in the face of Russia’s latest violation of our airspace.”

The EU is preparing to propose its 19th sanctions package against Russia, while European Council President António Costa confirmed that the bloc will discuss a collective response at an informal summit in Copenhagen on October 1.

Broader Context

The Baltic States—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—do not operate their own fighter jets, relying instead on NATO allies to secure their airspace. This latest incursion follows other provocations in the region, including Russian drones violating Polish and Romanian airspace in the past week.

Kallas warned that “Putin is testing the West’s resolve” and urged that NATO and the EU respond with strength. “We must not show weakness,” she said.

The pattern of repeated Russian violations highlights an escalating risk in Eastern Europe, where miscalculations could quickly spiral into larger conflicts. NATO’s rapid interception demonstrates the alliance’s readiness, but Estonia’s invocation of Article 4 signals that leaders are taking no chances.

Enjoying Our Content? Help Keep It Going!
When you shop through one of our hand-picked affiliate links below , you’re directly supporting this blog. We’re truly grateful for your support!