Overview

• Three Russian MiG-31s entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland for about 12 minutes, according to NATO and Tallinn’s authorities.
• Two Italian F-35s on quick-reaction alert scrambled from Ämari and escorted the aircraft away, with NATO calling the episode reckless behavior.
• Estonia summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires and requested consultations under Article 4, describing the breach as of unprecedented audacity.
• EU leaders condemned the incursion, with Ursula von der Leyen urging rapid approval of a 19th sanctions package and officials highlighting plans to bolster the eastern flank under reinforced air-policing operations.
• Russia denied any violation, claiming the jets followed an agreed route over neutral Baltic waters from Karelia to Kaliningrad, while reports noted the aircraft flew without filed plans or radio contact and the MiG-31’s Kinzhal-capable role raised concern.