In a significant escalation of tensions in the Baltic region, NATO forces intercepted three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets after they violated Estonian airspace for nearly 12 minutes.
According to Estonian officials, the Russian aircraft entered without filing flight plans or maintaining radio communication, a move Tallinn labeled as a “dangerous provocation.”
Italian Air Force F-35s, operating under NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, were scrambled to intercept and escort the Russian jets out of Estonian airspace.
European Union leaders quickly condemned the incident, warning that such actions risk further destabilizing security in the region. EU diplomats are reportedly discussing possible responses, including increased air patrols and further sanctions.
This latest breach underscores the growing military tension between NATO and Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and heightened security concerns across Eastern Europe.
