"Nato has intercepted three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets that violated Estonia's airspace over the Baltic Sea in a 12-minute incursion, calling it proof of Moscow's reckless behaviour. The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, a former Estonian prime minister, accused Moscow of an extremely dangerous provocation and said the latest Russian violation of Nato's eastern borders further escalates tensions in the region. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said Europe stands with Estonia and would respond to every provocation with determination."
"Tensions have been rising on Nato's eastern border since Russian drones overflew Polish territory last week. A Nato spokesperson confirmed the latest incident, saying it had responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft and describing it as yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour. Moscow did not immediately comment. The Estonian defence forces said the MiG-31s were intercepted on Friday morning by Italian F-35 fighter jets based in Amari in Estonia as part of the transatlantic defence alliance's air policing mission over the Baltic Sea."
Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Baltic Sea for 12 minutes and were intercepted by NATO aircraft. The jets entered near Vaindloo island, lacked flight plans, had transponders switched off, and did not communicate with air traffic control. Italian F-35s based in Amari, Estonia, carried out the interception under NATO's Baltic air policing mission. Estonian officials described the incursion as brazen and noted four violations of Estonian airspace this year. EU leaders condemned the action, pledged determination, urged swift approval of the EU's 19th sanctions package, and Tallinn summoned Russia's charge d'affaires to protest.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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