Estonia has formally requested urgent consultations with Nato after Russian warplanes entered its airspace, highlighting rising tensions between Moscow and the alliance.
The Estonian foreign ministry described the incident as "brazen," saying three Russian MiG-31 jets flew into the country’s skies without permission, remaining for 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland.
Nato confirmed it "responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft," calling the event "yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and Nato's ability to respond."
Italian, Finnish, and Swedish jets joined the operation under Nato’s eastern defence mission.
Russia, however, denied breaching Estonian airspace, claiming its planes were conducting a "scheduled flight... in strict compliance with international airspace regulations" and flew over neutral Baltic waters.
Estonian officials warned that this was not the first time Russia had violated their skies in 2025, with four previous incidents recorded. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called the latest incursion a "clear provocation" and urged Nato members to respond firmly both politically and practically.
Speaking about the incident, Estonian Ambassador to the United States Kristjan Prikk said the Russian actions were "serious," noting that Moscow had long "attempted to test Nato." He added, "We believe that Russia wants to send a signal to Nato countries to rather focus on collective defense rather than support Ukraine in their fight."
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced that his government had invoked Nato Article 4, which allows for urgent consultations among the 32-member alliance.
He said, "Nato's response to any provocation must be united and strong. We consider it essential to consult with our allies to ensure shared situational awareness and to agree on our next joint steps." Poland had similarly requested Article 4 consultations earlier this week after Russian drones entered its airspace.
The incident coincided with a surge in Russian attacks on Ukraine, with air raid alerts covering nearly the entire country early Saturday morning. Nato has pledged to move military assets, including fighter jets, eastwards to strengthen its defences.
Estonia’s Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur told the BBC, "It is unprecedented that for 12 minutes the Russians were in our airspace," adding, "in this situation, the only right thing to do is to push them out of Estonian airspace."
Estonian officials reported that the Russian jets entered from the northeast, had no flight plans, turned off their transponders, and failed to communicate with Estonian air traffic control.
Finnish jets intercepted the planes over the Gulf of Finland, while Italian F-35 jets, stationed in Estonia under Nato’s Baltic Air Policing mission, escorted them out.
EU and Nato leaders warned Moscow against further provocations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, "We will respond to every provocation with determination while investing in a stronger Eastern flank."
Estonia’s foreign minister emphasised that Nato must show unity, while EU diplomat Kaja Kallas described the violation as "an extremely dangerous provocation."
Poland and Romania have also reported incursions by Russian drones, prompting Nato to increase military presence in the east.
The UK, France, Germany, and Denmark are deploying aircraft to protect Nato territory. Pevkur said, "Nato needed to put more focus on the eastern flank" and described Estonia as "our joint response line in a way, that here in Estonia we keep the front door closed."
Russian officials have denied deliberate violations, and Belarus claimed that some drone incursions into Poland were accidental due to navigational issues.
Meanwhile, Estonia continues to coordinate with Nato allies to strengthen airspace defence and prevent future violations.
