Estonia has called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council to address a significant incursion into its airspace by three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets on September 19, 2025. The jets reportedly remained in Estonian airspace for 12 minutes, prompting condemnation from Estonia and its NATO allies. This incident marks the first time in Estonia's 34 years of UN membership that it has formally requested such a high-level meeting. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna characterized the violation as a "dangerous escalation" and part of a broader pattern of Russian provocations, stating that Russia's actions undermine principles vital to the security of all UN member states. He noted that this was the fourth such violation of Estonian airspace this year, highlighting a concerning trend of increasing aggressiveness. The Russian Ministry of Defense, however, has denied the violation, claiming the flight was conducted in strict accordance with international airspace rules and did not breach Estonian borders.
In response to the incursion, NATO activated F-35 interceptors based in Estonia, with Swedish and Finnish aircraft also scrambling as a precautionary measure and in coordination with NATO. Estonia has invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, initiating consultations among NATO members regarding the threat to its territorial integrity and security. This invocation follows a similar move by Poland earlier in September after Russian drones entered its airspace. The incident has drawn international attention, with leaders from the EU and the US expressing concern. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for continued sanctions against Russia, while US President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to defend Baltic states in the event of further escalation.
The broader context includes a series of similar incidents, such as Russian drones entering Polish and Romanian airspace in recent weeks, underscoring a heightened security situation in the region. Russian military aircraft have a history of such incursions, often flying without transponders or flight plans, which NATO describes as inherently unsafe and a serious risk to civilian air traffic. In 2023 alone, NATO air forces scrambled over 300 times to intercept Russian military aircraft approaching Alliance airspace, predominantly over the Baltic Sea. The UN Security Council meeting is intended to foster dialogue and de-escalate tensions, emphasizing the need for adherence to international law and the UN Charter. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining European security and the importance of a united response to actions that challenge territorial sovereignty.