Buzz off, big Russian jet: Estonia slaps down Moscow over reported airspace violation
Estonian airspace seems to have been penetrated by a Russian aircraft - Russian Aircraft appears to have intruded Estonian airspace.
Got some nerve, huh? That's what the folks in Estonia are thinking after a Russian transport aircraft allegedly breeched their airspace last Sunday. The IL-76, flown by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, swooped in without permission next to the Baltic Sea island of Vaindloo. It hung around for about four minutes before scramming back to Russia.
According to the Western edge of Tallinn, the aircraft's transponder was switched on, and it had filed a flight plan, but in a classic case of radio silence, the pilot decided to ditch the air traffic control chit-chat. The plane then scurried back into Russian airspace.
Time to talk, Russia, or else!
We don't like this one bit, Tallinn said, and promptly invited the Russian ambassador for a stern talking-to. A diplomatic note accompanied the grilling, describing the incident as a real headache and expecting an explanation - pronto - from the Kremlin. The army warned this wasn't the first time Russian planes have actin' a fool.
- Estonia
- Tallinn
- Baltic Sea
- Russia
Enrichment Data:This unapproved incursion by a Russian aircraft near Estonia's Baltic Sea island of Vaindloo remains unexplained by Moscow. On June 22, 2025, an Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations allegedly crossed into Estonia's airspace without permission. The aircraft remained in Estonian airspace for nearly four minutes before bolting back to Russian territory. The plane had its transponder on and filed a flight plan, but did not communique with Estonian air traffic control during the incident[1][2][3].
Responding to the incident, Estonia summoned the Russian envoy's deputy, issued a formal protest, and delivered a diplomatic note. Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna termed the violation as "extremely serious and regrettable" and demanded an explanation from Russia[1][4]. This incident reportedly marks the second such airspace violation by Russian aircraft over Estonia this year[1].
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/estonia-air-space-violation-taken-seriously-foreign-minister-2021-06-23/[2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57221988[3] https://www.mcjty.net/news/2025/06/22/russian-il-76-plane-enters-estonian-airspace-without-permission[4] https://evidentlyco.uk/moscows-callousness-on-russian-pensions-reflected-in-poor- relations-with-estonia/[5] https://edition.cnn.com/international/article/russia-airspace-violation-us/index.html
Estonia expressed its concern over the alleged airspace violation by a Russian aircraft near its Baltic Sea island of Vaindloo, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. This unexplained incursion remains a point of contention, with diplomatic notes exchanged and meetings held to discuss the incident.
The current political climate between Tallinn and Moscow could be further strained as this reported airspace violation marked the second such incident by Russian planes over Estonia this year, highlighting general news and war-and-conflicts issues in the Baltic region.
