Ukraine war latest: NATO condemns 'reckless Russian behaviour' after jets enter Estonian airspace

EU leaders will discuss their response to violations by Russia of European airspace at their upcoming meeting in Copenhagen on 1 October, European Council President Antonio Costa said.

"Today's violation of Estonian airspace by three Russian military aircraft is another unacceptable provocation," Costa said in a post on X. 

"It underscores yet again the urgent need to reinforce our Eastern flank, deepen European defence cooperation, and intensify pressure on Russia." 

Earlier, Estonia's prime minister confirmed he would be seeking a NATO Article 4 consultation over Russia's alleged violation of the country's airspace.

The mechanism allows any member country to formally bring an issue to the attention of NATO's principal decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council, to meet and discuss next steps with allies.

Members will consult when "the territorial integrity, political independence or security" of any members is threatened.

It should not be confused with Article 5, the cornerstone of the alliance, which states an armed attack on one NATO ally will be considered an act of violence against all members and prompt assistance to the member concerned.

Discussion triggered by Article 4 could "potentially lead to some form of joint decision or action," according to NATO, but outcomes depend on consensus among members.

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart has said that the North Atlantic Council will convene early next week to discuss the incident in more detail. 

Our military analyst Sean Bell used to fly in the RAF and operated during the Cold War in Germany.

“We had a buffer zone there, and believe you me - when you have gone even close to it, people were warning you,” he said

“So, getting inside Estonian airspace for 12 minutes is no mistake.”

Read his full take on Russia's incursion into Estonian airspace in the clip below…

Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian jets violating Estonia's airspace is "unacceptable".

The Ukrainian leader said the incursion expands Moscow's "destabilisation" plans into new countries. 

"This is not a coincidence," he says. "It is a systematic Russian campaign against Europe, against NATO, against the West. 

"And it requires a systematic response. Strong actions are necessary, both joint and from each individual country.

"Russia must feel increasing pain from international pressure, primarily through the economy, and sanctions provide the best means for this."

The UK's defence minister has condemned Russia's violation of Estonian airspace.

John Healey said the "reckless and dangerous activity" was the third such violation of NATO airspace in recent days.

"But Putin's aggression only serves to strengthen the unity of NATO and our resolve to stand with Ukraine." 

Earlier, UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper also expressed the country's solidarity with Estonia, condemning "another reckless incursion into NATO airspace by Russia".

Lithuania's defence minister has warned that NATO's north eastern border is being "tested for a reason" after Estonia accused Russian aircraft of violating its airspace.

Dovile Sakaliene said the incident was "hard proof" that 'Eastern Sentry', a NATO operation aimed at bolstering Europe's eastern flank, is "long due".

She added that Turkey had already "set an example" in 2015 when its air force shot down a Russian jet after Ankara said it had violated the Turkish airspace.

"Some food for thought," Sakaliene said.

NATO boss Mark Rutte says he has spoken with Estonia's prime minister about the violation of its airspace by Russian jets.

He says the response "was quick and decisive".

Estonia has formally requested a NATO Article 4 consultation over the Russian violation of its airspace earlier today, the country's prime minister Kristen Michal said.

In a post on X, he confirmed that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace, and were confronted by NATO fighters, before they were "forced to flee".

"Such violation is totally unacceptable," Michal said.

Germany's foreign minister says NATO will always be ready to defend its borders after its jets intercepted Russian aircraft that Estonia said breached its airspace.

Johann Wadephul said Moscow's violation of Estonian airspace was "unacceptable" and said Tallinn had Germany's "full solidarity".

"By intercepting the Russian planes immediately, we are demonstrating NATO is always ready to defend itself," he said on X.

NATO says it has responded after Russian military jets "violated" Estonian airspace.

In a statement, the Estonian government said the incident involved three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets that flew near Vaindloo Island, in the Gulf of Finland, for a total of 12 minutes without permission.

A NATO spokesperson said the Russian jets "violated Estonian airspace" and "NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft".

"This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO's ability to respond."

Foreign minister Margus Tsahkna said Russia had already violated Estonian airspace four times this year, "which is unacceptable in itself, but today's violation, during which three fighter jets entered our airspace, is unprecedentedly brazen".

Estonia is the third NATO country to report an incursion of its airspace by Russia in recent weeks: On Sunday, Romania said a drone breached its airspace during a Russian attack on neighbouring Ukraine. Poland also reported an "unprecedented violation" of its airspace by more than a dozen Russian drones last week. Moscow denied responsibility for the incident.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the country "stands with our Estonian allies, following yet another reckless incursion into NATO airspace by Russia".

The Russian defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, its jets routinely fly over the Baltic Sea, where its Baltic Fleet is based.