Estonia says 3 Russian fighter jets entered its airspace in ‘brazen’ incursion

Key Takeaways:

• Estonia summoned a Russian diplomat in response to the airspace violation
• Three Russian fighter jets crossed into Estonian territory
• The incursion lasted 12 minutes, occurring on a Friday
• This was the country’s fifth airspace breach by Russia in 2025
• Estonian officials labeled the violation “brazen”

Estonia’s Diplomatic Protest

Estonia has initiated a formal diplomatic protest over what it deems a serious breach of its sovereignty. Following last Friday’s incident, when three Russian fighter jets reportedly entered Estonian airspace without authorization, the Estonian Foreign Ministry moved quickly to summon a Russian diplomat. Officials demanded an explanation and stressed the importance of respecting their territorial boundaries.

A 12-Minute “Brazen” Incursion

The Foreign Ministry confirmed that the violation lasted 12 minutes, a lapse that Estonia considers alarmingly significant. The incident occurred without prior notification or consent, sparking immediate concerns about national security. In a statement, Estonian officials referred to the incursion as “brazen” and requested assurances that such an event would not be repeated.

Fifth Violation This Year

This latest crossing marks the fifth time in 2025 that Russia has been accused of flouting Estonia’s airspace regulations. The recurring nature of these incidents has heightened Estonia’s vigilance and concern, particularly given the elevated tensions in the region. As Estonia awaits further diplomatic engagement, the incident underscores a pattern of encounters that continues to raise questions about the stability of relations between the two neighbors.