NATO Warns Russia After Estonian Airspace Violation

NATO has issued a strong warning to Russia after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace last week, saying it would use “all necessary military and non-military tools” to defend itself against what it described as Moscow’s “increasingly irresponsible behaviour.”

Estonia reported that the jets breached its airspace for 12 minutes before being escorted out by Italian fighter aircraft operating under NATO command. Western officials said the incursion was likely intended to test the alliance’s readiness and resolve.

The incident followed the entry of around 20 Russian drones into Polish airspace earlier this month, some of which were shot down by NATO jets.

“Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which are escalatory, risk miscalculation, and endanger lives. They must stop,” the North Atlantic Council (NAC) said in a statement on Tuesday.

The NAC, which brings together ambassadors from NATO’s 32 member states, convened at Estonia’s request under Article 4 of the alliance’s founding treaty. The article allows allies to consult whenever a member feels its security, political independence, or territorial integrity is threatened.

This marks the ninth invocation of Article 4 in NATO’s history, and the second this month following the drone incidents in Poland.

“Russia should be in no doubt: NATO and Allies will employ, in accordance with international law, all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter all threats from all directions,” the statement added.

NATO also reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine, saying allies “will not be deterred” from supporting Kyiv in its fight against Russia’s “brutal and unprovoked war of aggression.”