Today, September 19, three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace, which was likely the Kremlin’s third attempt this month to test NATO’s eastern borders.This was reported by Politico.
The MiG-31 aircraft, heavy interceptors capable of carrying Russia’s hypersonic Kinzhal missile, were heading towards the capital Tallinn. They circled for about 12 minutes, after which Italian F-35s were scrambled to intercept them.
This incident occurred after Russia also launched drones toward Poland and Romania last week, two other NATO countries on the front line.
“Today, Russian aircraft violated Estonian airspace. NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft. This is yet another example of Russia’s reckless behavior and NATO’s ability to respond,” said NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart.
“Today’s violation of Estonian airspace by Russian military aircraft is an extremely dangerous provocation. We will continue to support our member states in strengthening their defense with European resources,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Estonia summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires in Tallinn.
“Russia has violated Estonia’s airspace four times this year, which is unacceptable in itself, but today’s violation, during which three fighter jets entered our airspace, is unprecedentedly rude. Russia’s increasingly frequent border checks and aggression must be met with a rapid increase in political and economic pressure,” said Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
Announcing a new package of EU sanctions against Russian energy and financial transactions on Friday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the fact that in recent days “Russian drones have violated the airspace of our Union in both Poland and Romania.”
“Again and again, President Putin is escalating, and in response, Europe is increasing the pressure. We know that our sanctions are an effective tool of economic pressure, and we will continue to apply them until Russia comes to the negotiating table,” she said.