NATO and EU slam Russian MiG-31 incursion into Estonian airspace
MiG-31 jets violated Estonian airspace (Illustrative photo: wikipedia.org)
The violation of Estonian airspace by Russian MiG-31 fighter jets is an example of reckless behavior and an extremely dangerous provocation, said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and NATO spokesperson Allison Hart.
EU reaction
"Today's violation of Estonia's airspace by Russian military aircraft is an extremely dangerous provocation," Kallas emphasized.
She recalled that this was already the third such violation of the airspace of European Union countries in recent days. Such provocations further escalate tensions in the region.
Kallas added that the EU is fully in solidarity with Estonia. In particular, she is in contact with the Estonian government.
"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," she noted.
NATO reaction
For her part, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart stated that the Alliance immediately responded to the incursion into Estonian airspace and intercepted the Russian MiG-31Ks.
"This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO's ability to respond," Hart added.
MiG-31 in Estonian airspace
Today, September 19, three Russian MiG-31K fighter jets entered Estonian airspace and remained there for about 12 minutes.
According to Politico sources, the fighters were flying toward Tallinn.
