Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes early Friday morning, September 19, near the island of Windlo in the Gulf of Finland. This is reported by DW.
The planes entered without permission, did not transmit a flight plan, turned off electronic identification and did not communicate with air traffic control. NATO quickly responded with Italian F-35 fighters, since the Baltic countries do not have their own combat aircraft.
“This is another example of Russia’s reckless behavior and NATO’s ability to respond”, said Alliance spokeswoman Allison Hart.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Callas called the event an “extremely dangerous provocation”:
“This is the third such violation of the airspace of the European Union in recent days, which further aggravates the tension in the region. The EU is in full solidarity with Estonia.
In her opinion, “Putin is testing the determination of the West”, and therefore it is impossible to “show weakness”.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia summons the temporary charge daffaires of the Russian Federation and handed him a note of protest.
“Russia has already violated Estonian airspace four times this year, which is unacceptable in itself. But today’s violation with three fighter jets is unprecedentedly defiant,” Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhkna emphasized.
He urged to “quickly increase political and economic pressure” on Russia for “testing the borders and growing aggression”.
