The UN Security Council will convene an emergency session on Monday to address alleged Russian airspace violations over Estonia, officials from Tallinn and the United Nations confirmed on Sunday.
Estonia sought the urgent meeting after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets reportedly crossed into its airspace above the Gulf of Finland on Friday.
According to the Estonian Foreign Ministry and NATO, the aircraft remained for around 12 minutes before alliance jets intercepted them.
In a statement on X, Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, warned that Moscow’s actions “undermine principles vital to the security of all UN member states.” He added, “When such actions are committed by a permanent member of the Security Council, they must be addressed by that very body.”
The ministry described the incursion as a “blatant, reckless, and flagrant violation of NATO airspace” and accused Russia of “repeated violations of international law.” Moscow, however, rejected the claims, with its Defense Ministry insisting the flights followed “strict accordance with international rules.”
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the meeting is set for 10 a.m. ET on Monday.
Ukraine has also requested to attend and share its views, with its appeal directed to the Republic of Korea, which currently holds the rotating Security Council presidency.
“For the first time in 34 years, Estonia has requested an emergency UNSC meeting,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted on X, calling it evidence of “the unprecedented scale of threats posed by aggressive Russia to the stability of Europe.”
Alongside its UN request, Estonia has triggered NATO’s Article 4 mechanism, which allows members to bring security concerns before the alliance’s political leadership.
The consultations are expected later this week. Poland made a similar request just days earlier after Russian drones and jets strayed into its airspace.
Meanwhile, Sweden and Germany confirmed their forces scrambled aircraft on Sunday to track a Russian IL-20 reconnaissance plane flying over the South Baltic Sea without a filed flight plan or radio contact.
