Russia has accused Estonia of making baseless claims that its military jets violated Estonian airspace, saying the allegation lacked evidence and was intended to escalate tensions between East and West.
Estonia had announced on Friday that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered its airspace without permission, remaining for 12 minutes before being forced to withdraw. Western officials suggested the incident was designed to test NATO’s readiness.
The UN Security Council is expected to deliberate on the issue, while NATO consultations under Article Four are scheduled for Tuesday. The alleged breach came just days after more than 20 Russian drones reportedly entered Polish airspace, prompting NATO jets to shoot some down.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected Estonia’s claim, insisting there was no objective monitoring data to support it.
“We consider such words to be empty, unfounded, and a continuation of a reckless pattern of escalating tensions and provoking confrontation,” he told reporters.
He further noted that Russia’s Defence Ministry had categorically denied the accusation, stressing that Russian pilots always operated in line with international law.
(Reuters/NAN)