Inverterized: Russian military aircraft intruding into Estonian airspace
In a recent escalation, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered the airspace of Estonia without permission last week, sparking a swift response from NATO and the European Union. This incident marks the third violation of EU airspace within a few days, further heightening tensions in the region.
The airspace violation occurred near the Baltic Sea island of Vaindloo, with the aircraft refusing to submit flight plans, turning off their electronic transponders, and neglecting to maintain radio contact with Estonian air traffic control. The jets remained in Estonian airspace for a total of twelve minutes before departing.
Estonia, a Baltic member of both the EU and NATO, reported the violation to the appropriate authorities. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna described the incident as "unprecedentedly brazen," while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas labelled it an "extremely dangerous provocation."
In response, the Polish air force and other NATO allies took action, shooting down some of the drones that accompanied the Russian fighter jets for the first time. This action underscores the collective commitment of NATO allies to protect the airspace of its member states.
It is worth noting that the countries bordering Russia - Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania - do not possess their own fighter jets. However, NATO allies take turns securing the Baltic airspace as part of the NATO's Eastern Sentry operation. This operation, coordinated by Allied Command Operations in Mons, Belgium, is a collective NATO effort responding to Russian airspace violations over Baltic states, including Estonia.
In light of these events, Kallas wrote on the X platform that Putin is testing the resolve of the West and that it's crucial not to show weakness. She also expressed her country's full solidarity with the EU, emphasising the importance of a united front in the face of such provocations.
The Russian ambassador to Estonia was summoned and handed a protest note by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to the airspace violation. As the situation continues to develop, both NATO and the EU remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the security and sovereignty of their member states.
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