NATO to convene emergency meeting following Russian airspace violation over Estonia

The North Atlantic Council, NATO's principal political decision-making body, is set to hold an emergency meeting to address what officials are calling a serious breach of Estonian airspace by Russian military aircraft.

Two officials familiar with the matter confirmed to Reuters that the consultations will take place on September 23, following a formal request by Estonia under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty. This article allows any member state to call for consultations when it perceives a threat to its territorial integrity, political independence, or security.

The incident in question occurred on September 19, when three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets reportedly entered Estonian airspace without authorization and remained for approximately 12 minutes before being forced to withdraw. Tallinn has condemned the incursion as an "unprecedentedly brazen" act of aggression.

“This is a flagrant violation of international norms and Estonian sovereignty,” a senior Estonian official said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “We expect a clear and unified response from the Alliance.”

In response, NATO foreign ministers and defence officials are expected to explore both political and operational measures aimed at reinforcing the Alliance’s eastern flank and deterring further provocations.

Russia’s Defence Ministry, however, has denied any violation, stating that its aircraft were flying over neutral waters and did not enter Estonian airspace.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between NATO and Russia, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. It also follows another alarming breach on the night of September 9–10, when more than 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace. NATO aircraft were scrambled, with some of the drones reportedly shot down. Western officials view these events as deliberate attempts by Moscow to probe NATO’s defenses and test the Alliance’s readiness and resolve.

By Vafa Guliyeva