Czech president Petr Pavel has called on NATO to take firm action against Russia after fighter jets from Moscow entered Estonian airspace, warning that the alliance must be prepared to respond strongly, including by shooting down intruding aircraft if necessary.
His remarks followed Estonia’s announcement that three Russian MiG-31 fighters crossed into its skies over the Gulf of Finland on Friday. NATO confirmed that Italian F-35 jets, supported by Swedish and Finnish aircraft, intercepted the planes and forced them to leave. Russia has denied any breach.
The incident has raised alarm across Europe, with fears it could push tensions between Moscow and the West closer to direct confrontation. Estonia said this was a blatant violation of its sovereignty and urged a united NATO response.
On Sunday, Estonia requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the matter, marking the first time in 34 years of UN membership that the Baltic nation has formally called for such a session. The meeting is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
In Tallinn, Prime Minister Kristen Michal described the violation as unacceptable and said NATO allies must agree on clear steps to prevent further provocations. Officials in Brussels and other European capitals echoed the concerns, calling the incursion a dangerous act at a time when regional security is already under strain due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The airspace breach has once again drawn attention to the Baltic states’ exposure to Russian pressure and the risks of escalation in Europe. NATO leaders are now expected to discuss how best to handle further incidents of this kind and whether stronger deterrence measures are needed along the alliance’s eastern flank.