Vladimir Putin sent three fighter jets into NATO member Estonia’s airspace in an “unprecedentedly brutal” escalation
The UN has called an emergency Security Council meeting after the Kremlin violated Estonian airspace.
The UN’s announcement comes after Moscow’s MIG-31 jets entered Estonia’s airspace on Friday morning without permission from the NATO member. The Russian aircraft reportedly flew over the Vaindloo Island area and stayed in Estonian airspace for 12 minutes.
Today, the UN announced it would be holding an urgent meeting tomorrow at 10am “in response to Russia’s brazen violation of Estonian airspace”.
The agency noted it will be the first time in the 34-year history of Estonia that it has “formally requested an emergency meeting of the Security Council”.
Along with the announcement, Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna released a statement accusing Putin’s jets of “violating Estonia’s territorial integrity”.
He said: “On September 19, three armed Russian fighter jets entered Estonian airspace for 12 minutes—violating Estonia’s territorial integrity and breaching the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force.
“By openly violating our airspace, Russia is undermining principles that are essential to the security of all UN member states. It is therefore crucial that such actions—especially when committed by a permanent member of the Security Council—are addressed within this very body.”
“Russia’s conduct is incompatible with the responsibilities of a permanent member of the UN Security Council. And such actions would be unacceptable from any UN member state,” the Foreign Minister added.
It comes after officials in Estonia blasted Putin’s government for the violation on Friday and marked the incursion “unprecedentedly brutal”.
NATO confirmed the organisation intercepted the aircraft, saying: “Earlier today, Russian jets violated Estonian airspace. Nato responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft. This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and Nato’s ability to respond.”
The country’s Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, said he could invoke NATO’s Article 4, which calls for discussions among allies over threats to territorial security.
Michal, on X, wrote: “This morning, 3 Russian Mig-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace. NATO fighters responded and the Russian planes were forced to flee. Such violation is totally unacceptable. The Government of Estonia has decided to request NATO Article 4 consultations.”
US President Donald Trump has hit out at Russia following the audacious incident, telling reporters he will shortly be briefed on the matter. The US Commander-in-chief said: “I don’t love it I don’t like when that happens. It could be big trouble, but I’ll let you know later.”
Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, said Russian diplomats had been summoned following the shocking escalation, ERR reports.