Nato on Edge as Russian Jets Breach Estonian Airspace, Poland and Romania Report Drone Incursions
Tensions between Nato and Russia are rapidly escalating after multiple airspace violations in Eastern Europe. Poland and Romania recently reported that Russian drones crossed their borders, while Estonia confirmed Russian fighter jets entered its airspace in what officials call a serious and deliberate provocation.
Nato Boosts Military Presence on Eastern Flank
In response, Nato announced plans to move more fighter jets and military assets eastward to reinforce its defenses. The decision comes as the alliance seeks to deter further Russian aggression while continuing its support for Ukraine.
Estonia’s Ambassador to the United States, Kristjan Prikk, warned that Russia has been testing Nato’s resolve for months.
“Russia wants Nato nations to focus inward on collective defense, instead of supporting Ukraine in its fight,” he said.
A Night of Escalation Across the Region
On Saturday morning, Nato aircraft were deployed to safeguard Polish airspace as Russia carried out heavy airstrikes on western Ukraine. By 05:40 local time, nearly all of Ukraine was under air raid alerts, with waves of missile and drone attacks reported.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna described the 12-minute incursion into Estonian airspace as a “clear provocation” and urged for a united Nato response.
“A violation of Nato airspace demands a strong political and practical response,” he insisted.
Russia, however, rejected the accusations, claiming its jets were on a scheduled mission over neutral Baltic waters and did not breach international borders.
Estonia Triggers Nato Article 4 Consultations
Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed that Estonia has formally requested Nato Article 4 consultations, which call for urgent discussions among member states whenever a member feels threatened.
“Nato’s response must be united and strong. We must agree on our next steps together,” Michal emphasized.
This marks the second time in a week that a Nato member has triggered Article 4, after Poland did so in response to drone incursions.
Trump and EU Leaders React
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters he would be briefed on the incident, calling the situation “big trouble” if confirmed.
Meanwhile, EU leaders voiced strong support for Estonia. Top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas labeled the breach an “extremely dangerous provocation,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed to strengthen Nato’s eastern flank.
“We will respond to every provocation with determination,” von der Leyen said, stressing that Putin is “testing the West’s resolve.”
Nato Scrambles Jets as Russian Planes Intercepted
According to Estonia’s Defence Ministry, the Russian jets entered its airspace from the northeast without flight plans, transponders, or radio communication. Finnish jets first intercepted them over the Gulf of Finland, while Italian F-35s under Nato’s Baltic Air Policing mission escorted them out.
Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur described the breach as unprecedented, saying:
“For 12 minutes, Russian aircraft were inside our airspace. The only right response was to push them out.”
Growing Pattern of Russian Incursions
This is not an isolated case. Earlier in September, Poland reported shooting down three Russian drones, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirming 19 drone intrusions in total. Romania also detected a Russian drone near its border during strikes on Ukraine’s Danube region.
While Russia claims such violations are accidental, Nato sees them as deliberate attempts to pressure its members. Belarus, a close ally of Moscow, even suggested some drones strayed due to GPS jamming.
Nato Reinforces Eastern Europe
In response, Nato allies—including the UK, France, Germany, and Denmark—are stepping up air patrols over Poland and the Baltic states. On Monday, a French jet was scrambled after another potential drone threat, though the alert was later lifted.
Estonia’s Ambassador to the UK, Sven Sakkov, urged Nato to take “clear, practical steps” to safeguard the alliance’s eastern skies.
“If we were left alone, we would be extremely concerned. But with Nato, we are determined to defend ourselves.”