US condemns Russian violation of Estonia’s airspace

​​​​​​​By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) – The US on Saturday “strongly” condemned Russia’s violation of Estonia’s airspace, voicing support for its NATO ally.

“We strongly condemn Russia’s violation of Estonia’s airspace. We stand firmly with our Estonian Allies and will resolutely defend all NATO territory,” the US Mission to NATO wrote on the American social media company, X.

Estonia accused Russia on Friday of violating its airspace after three MiG-31 fighter jets entered its skies without permission. The Foreign Ministry said the incursion occurred in the area of Vaindloo Island in the Baltic Sea, with the jets remaining in Estonian airspace for nearly 12 minutes, according to the national news agency ERR.

In response, the ministry summoned the charge d'affaires of Russia in Tallinn to deliver a formal protest note. Moscow has yet to respond.

The incident drew swift condemnation from NATO, the EU and European capitals. NATO said allied jets responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft, calling the move “reckless.”

Similar incidents were reported this week in NATO members Romania and Poland, where Russian drones breached their airspace.