Russia 'tests Nato' with Estonia airspace violation, says official
Officials in Tallinn have requested the activation of Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, concerning consultations among allies.
The move comes after three Russian aircraft reportedly violated Estonian airspace. The incident triggered a wave of condemnation against Russia from European and Nato officials.
Nato member states have expressed solidarity with Estonia after three Russian MiG-31 jets reportedly entered its airspace without a flight plan and with their transponders turned off. Tallinn requested the activation of Nato's Article 4, which provides for consultations in case of a threat, and submitted a protest note to the Russian embassy, calling the incident unacceptable.
"It is vital for Nato members to demonstrate unity and to send a very clear message to Putin that he cannot push the boundaries all the time. A 12-minute violation of Nato airspace requires a strong political and practical response," said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims that the Kremlin's destabilising activities are expanding, with Russia using various tools: from interference in political processes, as seen in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, to airspace violations, as in Poland, Romania, and now Estonia.
North Atlantic Alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the prompt response of Nato aircraft and announced an emergency meeting of allies for early next week.
The head of foreign policy in Brussels noted that Putin is testing the West's resolve.
"It's clear that Russia is testing how far it can go. We had intense discussions about the international situation and Russia's actions. Our appeal is also addressed to countries that have a closer relationship with Russia: to urge it to stop," said Kaja Kallas.
The US president said the airspace violation could cause serious problems.
"I don't like when these things happen. This could be a grave problem. But I will let you know later," said Donald Trump.
Tallinn accuses Moscow of airspace violation
The Russian Ministry of Defence maintains the planes were on a scheduled flight and did not violate Estonian airspace. Meanwhile, the Polish Coast Guard has also claimed that two fighter jets from Moscow flew over Polish airspace, at a low altitude near the "Petrobalti" oil and gas platform in the Baltic Sea.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
