The United Nations has convened an emergency Security Council meeting following a significant breach of Estonian airspace by Russian military jets. This incident occurred on Friday morning when MIG-31 aircraft from Moscow entered the airspace of the NATO member state without permission. The Russian jets reportedly flew over the Vaindloo Island area, remaining in Estonian airspace for approximately 12 minutes.

In response to this violation, the UN announced that the urgent meeting will take place tomorrow at 10am. This marks a historic moment, as it is the first time in Estonia's 34-year history that the country has formally requested an emergency meeting of the Security Council. The UN described the situation as a "brazen violation of Estonian airspace."

Estonian officials have condemned the actions of the Kremlin, labelling the incursion as "unprecedentedly brutal." NATO confirmed that it intercepted the Russian aircraft shortly after the violation occurred. A NATO spokesperson stated, "Earlier today, Russian jets violated Estonian airspace. NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft. This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond."

Estonia's Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, indicated that he might invoke NATO's Article 4, which allows for consultations among allies regarding threats to territorial integrity. On social media platform X, Michal wrote, "This morning, 3 Russian Mig-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace. NATO fighters responded and the Russian planes were forced to flee. Such violation is totally unacceptable. The Government of Estonia has decided to request NATO Article 4 consultations."

The situation underscores rising tensions in the region and highlights the ongoing concerns regarding Russian military activities near NATO borders.