• Three Russian MiG-31 jets entered Estonian airspace, prompting swift NATO response.
• The incursion lasted for 12 minutes and is part of a pattern of Russian aggression.
• Estonia invoked NATO's Article 4, requesting consultations regarding security threats.
• US President Trump expressed concern over the incident, indicating potential escalation.
• Moscow denied any wrongdoing, stating jets were over neutral waters.

On Friday, Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated its airspace over the Gulf of Finland, staying for approximately 12 minutes before being intercepted by NATO's Italian F-35s. Estonian officials described the incursion as "unprecedentedly brazen," marking the fourth time Russia had violated its airspace in 2025, according to Indiatimes, AA, and Dawn.

The Russian Defense Ministry denied an air violation, insisting that the jets adhered to an approved flight plan over neutral waters, as they traveled from northwest Russia to Kaliningrad. The ministry asserted that the aircraft did not enter Estonian airspace, a claim dismissed by Estonian officials who highlighted radar and visual data confirming the violation according to The Jakarta Post and LA Times.

NATO responded assertively, confirming the interception of the jets and labeling the act as reckless behavior by Russia. The alliance's spokesperson noted that this incident exemplified a continuing challenge posed by Russian military actions in the region, with Ukraine also condemning the incursion as a destabilizing measure according to Newsweek and AA.

Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that these provocations necessitate a rapid increase in political and economic pressure on Russia. Furthermore, the Estonian government has invoked NATO's Article 4, which allows member states to hold consultations when they feel their security is jeopardized, indicative of escalating tensions within the alliance, as discussed in Newsweek and NPR.