Estonia Requests NATO Article 4 Consultations After Three Russian MiG-31 Jets Enter Airspace

The Estonian government has initiated consultations under NATO’s Article 4 after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace, Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced on X on September 19.

He described the violation as “absolutely unacceptable.”

"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,” Michal added.

The ministry stated that the aircraft crossed into Estonian skies over the Gulf of Finland without approval and remained for roughly 12 minutes.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also commented on the incident:

“Russian destabilization is expanding to new countries and directions. They use all tools, from interfering in political processes, as in Romania and Moldova, to violating airspace, as in Poland, Romania, and now Estonia.”

He emphasized that these actions are not accidental but part of a systematic Russian campaign against Europe, NATO, and the West.

“It requires a systematic response. Strong measures are needed—both jointly and by each individual country. Russia must feel increasing pressure internationally, especially through the economy, and sanctions are the best tool. At the same time, Russia’s losses in the war must grow, which can be achieved through a strong Ukrainian army,” Zelenskyy said.

Earlier, Estonia has launched unplanned Defense Forces exercises this week to strengthen its response capabilities against airspace intrusions. The decision comes in response to recent incidents of Russian drones breaching Polish airspace.

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