Estonia releases map of Russian jets crossing its border, defying Moscow's denial
Photo: Estonia reveals flight path of Russian MiG-31 (Getty Images)
While Russia continues to deny violating NATO borders, Estonia's Defense Ministry has published a map proving the claim is false.
Russia's Defense Ministry said the flight of its MiG jets was carried out "in strict accordance with international airspace rules" and "did not violate the borders of other states."
Estonia, however, released a map showing the route of three Russian MiG-31s that entered its airspace on September 19 and remained there for nearly 12 minutes.
The ministry said the aircraft were flying with transponders switched off and without radio communication. It stressed this was already the fourth violation of Estonian airspace by Russian aircraft in 2025.
Photo: Estonia reveals flight path of Russian MiG-31
Incursion of Russian MiGs into Estonian airspace
On the morning of September 19, three MiG-31 fighter jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces entered Estonian airspace without permission. The incursion was recorded immediately after the aircraft crossed into the country.
Italian Air Force F-35 fighters, deployed at Ämari Air Base under NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission, quickly responded. They escorted the Russian MiG-31s out of Estonian territory, preventing further violation.
Following the provocation, Estonia's government called on NATO to hold consultations under Article 4 of the Alliance's charter.
Both NATO and the European Union have already issued sharp responses to the MiG-31 incursion into Estonian airspace.
