Tensions Rise as Russian Jets Allegedly Violate Estonian Airspace

Tensions Rise as Russian Jets Allegedly Violate Estonian Airspace
New York, September 22, 2025 – Live from Times Square Global live

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting Monday following reports that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets allegedly entered Estonian airspace on September 19. Estonia formally notified the Council of the incursion, which occurred near Väinõ Island over the Gulf of Finland.

According to Estonia, NATO jets intercepted the Russian aircraft last Friday to prevent potential escalation.

UN Official: Airspace Violations “Unacceptable”
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, Mr. Enchah, briefed the Council, stating the intrusion took place between 9:58 a.m. and 10:11 a.m. local time. He emphasized that the Russian jets allegedly flew without authorization, turned off transponders, and submitted no flight plan, posing risks to other aircraft. Estonia claims that this is the fourth airspace violation by Russia this year and has requested consultations with NATO allies.

Enchah added, “Reports of Russian drones violating Polish and Romanian airspace preceded this incident. In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, these events underscore the growing threat to European security.” He stressed that “violating the airspace of sovereign nations is unacceptable” and warned that continued escalation could create a dangerously unstable situation.

Estonia: “Stop Lying”
Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu presented radar screenshots and images of the MiG-31s in flight, saying: “You can see exactly when the Russian jets entered, where they stayed, and their exit path.” He criticized Russia for ignoring warnings and accused Moscow of repeated falsehoods.

Reinsalu referenced past Russian actions, including the 2008 invasion of Georgia, the 2014 annexation of Crimea, and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, warning: “Do not lie—clear evidence is before your eyes.”

Russia Denies Allegations
Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Dmitry Polyansky, dismissed the claims as “imaginary” and insisted the jets were conducting routine flights from Karelia to Kaliningrad. He stated that the aircraft did not deviate from their flight path or enter Estonian airspace, maintaining a distance of over three kilometers from Väinõ Island.

Poland Issues Stark Warning
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Radosław Sikorski, addressed Russia directly: “If any missile or aircraft enters our airspace without permission and is shot down, and debris falls in NATO territory, do not complain.” He criticized Russian expansionism and extreme nationalism, warning that such ambitions have no place in the modern world.

Romania Calls for International Response
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Joi highlighted repeated violations of European airspace by Russia, stressing that the international community, especially the Security Council, must respond. “Immediate action is required to prevent future provocations,” she said.

The emergency session underscores rising tensions in Europe as NATO and the UN seek to address repeated airspace incursions amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.