Overview

• Estonia told the council three Russian MiG-31s crossed near Vaindloo Island for about 12 minutes, displaying radar printouts and close-up images it says show armed, combat-ready jets.
• NATO confirmed allied jets were scrambled and intercepted the aircraft, with Italian F-35s launching from Estonia and Sweden and Finland providing support.
• The Kremlin and Russia’s defense ministry rejected Estonia’s account, arguing the flights followed international regulations and accusing Tallinn of stoking tensions.
• European leaders escalated warnings, with Poland’s prime minister vowing to shoot down violating objects and the UK saying it stands ready to confront aircraft operating in NATO airspace without permission.
• Officials framed the incident as part of a wider pattern that includes recent Russian drone incursions into Poland and Romania, as NATO sustains its Eastern Sentry deployments and Article 4 consultations.