Russian planes violate NATO nation’s airspace in ‘unprecedented’ move as WW3 fears intensify

Three Russian planes have reportedly violated a NATO country's airspace on Friday (19 September).

A trio of Russian MiG-31 fighter jets crossed into Estonia's airspace for approximately 12 minutes, just a week after Russian drones violated airspace in Poland - another NATO country.

“Russia has violated Estonian airspace four times already this year, which is unacceptable in itself, but today’s violation, during which three fighter jets entered our airspace, is unprecedentedly brazen,” said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

“Russia’s ever-increasing testing of borders and aggressiveness must be responded to by rapidly strengthening political and economic pressure.”

According to Sky News, a NATO spokesperson said that 'NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft'.

Russian planes have reportedly violated Estonia's airspace (VALERY SHARIFULIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

"This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO's ability to respond," they added.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added on X: "Europe stands with Estonia in the face of Russia’s latest violation of our airspace.

"We will respond to every provocation with determination while investing in a stronger Eastern flank. As threats escalate, so too will our pressure. I call on EU leaders to swiftly approve our 19th sanctions package."

Last week, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that NATO soldiers and his country's armed forces had intercepted several drones - later identified as Russian - which had crossed into Polish airspace overnight.

He said: "Last night, the Polish airspace was violated by a huge number of Russian drones. Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down.

"I am in constant communication with the secretary general of NATO and our allies."

It's the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in 2022 that NATO military assets have engaged Russian equipment.

Estonia Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told it 'unprecedentedly brazen' (TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images)

This is not the first time Russian equipment has violated Poland's airspace during their invasion of Ukraine, with a Russian drone crashing into a field in Poland last month, while missiles have passed through Poland's airspace on the way to their targets.

Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Jim Townsend told the BBC that the Russian incursion was unlikely to be a mistake, explaining: "One drone is a mistake, multiple drones is not a mistake."

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump told the press that Vladimir Putin had 'let him down' as he spoke to reporters during a state visit to the UK.

“I thought this war would be one of the easiest to solve because of my relationship with Putin. But he has really let me down,” he said.

“I mean, frankly, Russian soldiers are being killed at a higher rate than the Ukrainian soldiers. But, yeah, he’s let me down.”