Following Friday’s Russian warplane breach of its airspace, Estonia has asked to consult with other NATO countries. According to the authorities, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets got into Estonian airspace “without permission and remained there for a total of 12 minutes” over the Gulf of Finland.
Sweden, Finland, and Italy scrambled jets as part of NATO’s effort to support its eastern flank. It was described as “yet another example of reckless Russian behavior and Nato’s ability to respond” by a NATO spokesperson. Russia said that it had not violated Estonian airspace. However, since Poland and Romania, both NATO allies, claimed that Russian drones had invaded their airspace, tensions have been rising.
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Urgent consultations within the 32-member alliance, which unites the United States and other European countries on collective defense, are formally initiated under Article 4 of the NATO treaty. This is the second time a NATO member has asked for Article 4 consultations this month. On September 10, Poland took this action in response to Russian drones intruding into its airspace.
NATO must respond to any provocation with unity and strength, stated Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal. We believe it necessary to consult with our allies about a common awareness of the situation and to agree on our next joint steps,” Michal stated.
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