Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The repeated violations of Estonia's airspace, days after the same incident with Poland, have sparked opposing reactions, with calls for an urgent consultation session of NATO member states in Brussels and warnings of repercussions in statements issued by the United States, Europe, and NATO.
US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he would soon be informed of reports of Russia's violation of Estonian airspace, making clear his displeasure with the situation. Trump told reporters, "I don't like it. I don't like that it's happening. It could cause big problems." According to European media outlets in Brussels, including the Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad, which added under the headline "Russian fighter jets also fly over Polish oil platform, now officially confirmed," Polish authorities reported Friday evening, shortly after Estonia reported a Russian violation of its airspace, that two Russian fighter jets approached a Polish oil platform.
On the X website, a spokeswoman for the Polish Interior Ministry wrote that the Russian aircraft flew at an altitude of 150 meters above the Petrobaltik oil platform in the Baltic Sea. The Polish Border Guard reported on Twitter that the security zone above the platform was violated. Petrobaltik is located in Poland's exclusive economic zone, about 70 kilometers north of the city of Jastarnia. A Border Guard spokesperson confirmed to TVN24 that there had been no violation of Poland's borders. "The Polish Armed Forces and other agencies have been informed," he said.
Earlier on Friday, the Estonian government reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets had violated Estonian airspace. For 12 minutes. Estonia requested an emergency meeting with NATO.
European countries condemn the violation of Estonian airspace
European countries expressed their strong outrage after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes. German Foreign Minister Johan Wadephul described this as "unacceptable," stressing that NATO is prepared to defend itself. Wadephul said that the Russian aircraft were immediately intercepted, demonstrating NATO's readiness. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also stated that NATO responded "swiftly and decisively" in Estonian airspace. Estonia requested special consultations with NATO on the matter.
British Defense Secretary John Healey described this action as "the latest dangerous act by Russia." He added that it was the third violation of NATO airspace in recent days. Healey believes that Russia is acting "recklessly and dangerously."
The French Defense Ministry described it as a flagrant violation of international law.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévost said he "supports Estonia and all our Eastern allies in their support." "Russian President Vladimir Putin is testing NATO's resolve, and he will find us united and resilient," Prevo said on the X website, calling it "another serious provocation by Russia."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said: "The violation of Estonian airspace is completely unacceptable."
Rutte is specifically calling for the invocation of Article 4 of the alliance's charter. This article stipulates that NATO member states may consult if one of them believes its territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened. Last week, Poland took the same decision after Russian drones flew over its territory.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the alliance's "swift and decisive" response on Friday. He also noted that he had spoken with the Estonian prime minister.
Estonia requests emergency consultations from NATO after its airspace violation
Estonia has requested emergency consultations from NATO after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes. Estonian Prime Minister Kristin Michel announced He wrote on the X website: "Such a violation is absolutely unacceptable."
Specifically, he calls for the activation of Article 4 of the NATO Charter. This article stipulates that NATO member states shall consult if one of them believes that its territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened.
Last week, Poland took the same decision after Russian drones flew over its territory.