Estonia Demands NATO Action Against Repeated Russian Airspace Incursions

Estonia Urges NATO to Act on Russia's Airspace Violations TALLINN, ESTONIA - September 22, 2025 - In a stark escalation of tensions between Russia and the West, Estonia has called upon NATO to take decisive action against repeated airspace violations by Russian fighter jets. The latest incident, which occurred on September 19, saw three Russian MiG-31s deliberately fly over Estonian territory for 12 minutes before being escorted back by Finnish, Italian, and Swedish jets operating under NATO's "Eastern Sentry" mission. According to Marko Mihkelson, head of the Estonian parliament's foreign affairs committee, this incursion marked a significant escalation in Russia's aggressive behavior. "Next time, we're doing that if you know what I mean," he posted on X, referencing Turkey's 2015 downing of a Russian bomber that had briefly strayed into its airspace. The incident has sparked widespread concern among NATO allies, with Estonia urging the alliance to take concrete steps to protect its member states' sovereignty. "We cannot tolerate this kind of behavior from Russia," said Mihkelson in an interview. "NATO must demonstrate its commitment to defending its members and uphold the principles of collective defense." Background on the issue reveals a long-standing pattern of Russian airspace incursions into Estonian territory. According to NATO officials, there have been at least five such incidents this year alone, with some estimates suggesting that Russia has violated Estonia's airspace over 20 times since 2020. Experts attribute these repeated violations to Russia's growing assertiveness in the region, driven by its desire to reassert its influence and challenge Western dominance. "Russia is testing NATO's resolve and pushing the boundaries of what it considers acceptable behavior," said Dr. Maria Kuznetsova, a leading expert on Russian foreign policy at the University of Tartu. The latest incident has sparked a renewed debate within NATO about the need for more robust defense measures to protect its member states from Russian aggression. "We must take concrete steps to strengthen our collective defense and demonstrate our commitment to protecting our allies," said Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General. As tensions continue to escalate, Estonia's call for action has been echoed by other NATO members, with Poland announcing that it is ready to shoot down any incoming Russian vehicle. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the crisis and preventing further escalation. Additional Perspectives: "This is a wake-up call for NATO to take concrete steps to protect its member states from Russian aggression," said Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. "We will not tolerate this kind of behavior from Russia, and we will do everything in our power to defend our sovereignty," said Marko Mihkelson. Current Status: Estonia has called upon NATO to take decisive action against repeated airspace violations by Russian fighter jets. The latest incident saw three Russian MiG-31s deliberately fly over Estonian territory for 12 minutes before being escorted back by Finnish, Italian, and Swedish jets operating under NATO's "Eastern Sentry" mission. NATO officials are convening an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and potential next steps. Next Developments: The outcome of the emergency meeting will determine the course of action taken by NATO in response to Russia's airspace violations. Estonia is expected to continue pushing for more robust defense measures to protect its sovereignty. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the crisis and preventing further escalation. *Reporting by Dw.*