Overview

• NATO said three armed Russian MiG-31s violated Estonian airspace for more than ten minutes before allied jets intercepted and escorted them out.
• The North Atlantic Council met under Article 4 at Estonia’s request and framed the incident as part of a broader pattern of Russian incursions, with Italy reporting seven F-35 scrambles since early August.
• Secretary General Mark Rutte said responses will be proportionate and risk-based, noting the Estonia flight was escorted out because it posed no immediate threat.
• Poland’s Donald Tusk signaled readiness to shoot down intruders if there is unanimous NATO support, while UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said the alliance will confront unauthorized aircraft.
• The Kremlin denied any violation and the United Nations said it cannot independently confirm the claims.