Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Russian representative for talks.
A brief airspace breach over the Baltic Sea has drawn attention to ongoing tensions between Russia and NATO’s eastern members.
According to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a Russian fighter jet crossed into Estonia’s airspace on Wednesday near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland.
A statement from the ministry said the SU-30 aircraft remained inside Estonian territory for about one minute before leaving.
Authorities noted this was the first such violation recorded by Estonia this year.
NATO reacts quickly
NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission responded immediately to the incident, and Estonian Minister, Margus Tsahkna said that Italian Air Force units deployed to the area.
“There was no threat to Estonia’s security,” Tsahkna added, emphasizing that the situation was contained despite the breach.
The Baltic Air Policing mission routinely monitors the region, where NATO allies rotate air defense duties.
Diplomatic response
Estonia summoned the acting head of Russia’s diplomatic mission in Tallinn to formally protest the violation, the foreign ministry said in the statement
The latest incident follows a more serious episode in September last year, when Estonia reported that three Russian military aircraft entered its airspace for 12 minutes.
At the time, Estonian officials described the move as unusually bold, while Russia’s Defence Ministry dismissed the allegation as untrue.
Such encounters continue to highlight strained relations and heightened vigilance along NATO’s northeastern flank.
Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Reuters
