The Russian Ministry of Defense today denied the accusation that three fighters violated the Estonian airspace after being suspended by Nato pursuits Friday.

“On September 19 (…) Three Russian MIG-31-type pursuble executed a planned flight from Karelia to Airport in the Kaliningrad District”a Russian enclave between Lithuania and Poland, the Russian Defense Ministry said via Telegram.

“The flight unfolded with strict compliance with international rules for the use of airspace, without violating the borders of another states, which was confirmed by the means of control of the airspace.”continued.

“During the flight, Russian aircraft did not deviate from the specified flight plan and did not violate the Estonian airspace.”assured.

According to the same source, aircraft flew over ‘Neutral (b. International) Waters in the Baltic Sea and at a distance of more than three kilometers from (Estonian) Island Vaidlo ‘, in the Gulf of Finland.

Tallinn requested activation of Article 4

Earlier, the Estonian government had announced that three Russian MIG-31 fighters entered its airspace without permission, remaining for a total of 12 minutes in an incident examining European and NATO authorities.

The Estonian government, reacting to Russian provocation, has called on NATO to activate Article 4. It is the second NATO country calling for the activation of this article, as Poland had preceded it, following the invasion of Russian drones into its territory.

According to sources, citing Politico, the Russian MIG-31 fighters moved to the Estonian capital, Tallinn before taking off Italian F-35s to intercept them.

NATO’s representative, Alison Harthe confirmed that Russian fighters violated Estonia’s airspace on Friday and were immediately intercepted by NATO forces. “This is yet another example of Russia’s reckless behavior and NATO’s ability to answer”she said in a statement.

Taking measures

It is noted that after an increase in incidents of violations from Russia to NATO member states, the alliance has decided to take measures.

In particular, after breach of the Polish airspace by nearly 20 Russian drones, NATO announced the Eastern Sentry operation to strengthen its east wing. The incident has made serious gaps in Europe’s air defense, causing calls for the creation of a “drone wall” on the border with Russia and Belarus.

And in Romania

And Romania announced last Saturday that it had violated its airspace while a Russian attack on Ukraine. Fighter aircraft took off in a hurry and approached the drone, which was flying very low before finally leaving the country’s airspace and returning to Ukraine, the defense minister said. Ionut Mostean.