This morning, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland near Vaindloo Island. "Russia has already violated Estonian airspace four times this year, which is unacceptable in itself. But today's incursion, involving three fighter jets in our airspace, is unprecedentedly brazen" Estonian foreign minister Margus Tsahkna said. "Russia's growing pressure on our borders and its growing aggression must be countered with a rapid increase in political and economic pressure", the minister wrote in "X".

Regarding the circumstances of the incident, the Estonian armed forces explained in a statement: "The planes had no flight plans and their transponders were turned off. At the time of the violation, they were not even in two-way radio communication with Estonian air traffic services". The statement also noted that "Italian Air Force F-35 fighters, currently deployed in Ämari as part of Nato's Baltic Air Policing mission, intervened to counter the threat".

"The ministry of foreign affairs summoned the charge d'affaires of the Russian embassy in Estonia today and handed him a note", the Estonian armed forces statement added.

The High representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas, an Estonian, commented on "X": "Today's violation of airspace by Russian military aircraft is an extremely dangerous provocation. This is the third violation of EU airspace in a few days and further exacerbates tensions in the region. The EU expresses its full solidarity with Estonia". "I am in close contact with the Estonian Government" she added. "We will continue to support our member states in strengthening their defenses with European resources. Putin is testing the West's resolve. We must not show weakness". European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her support, writing on "X": "We will respond to every provocation with determination, while investing in a stronger eastern flank. As threats intensify, our pressure will also increase. I call on EU leaders to swiftly approve our 19th sanctions package".