Estonia Requests NATO Article 4 Talks After Russian MiG-31 Jets Violate Airspace

On September 19, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island, remaining inside for approximately 12 minutes without flight plans, transponders turned off, or radio contact. NATO fighters, including Italian F-35 jets deployed at Ämari under the Baltic Air Policing mission, intercepted and escorted the Russian aircraft out of NATO airspace. Estonia condemned the incursion as an "unprecedentedly brutal" and "absolutely unacceptable" provocation, marking the fourth airspace violation by Russian aircraft this year, with previous incidents lasting shorter durations. In response, the Estonian government requested urgent consultations under NATO's Article 4 to ensure alliance unity and coordinated action. The incident follows recent similar provocations, including Russian drones entering Polish and Romanian airspace, highlighting a pattern of Russian destabilization efforts against NATO countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed the call for a strong and systematic international response, emphasizing sanctions and support for a robust Ukrainian military to counter Russia's actions.