The UN Security Council is set to convene an emergency meeting on Monday in response to recent Russian violations of Estonian airspace, according to officials from Estonia and the United Nations. The request for the meeting was initiated by Estonia after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets allegedly penetrated its airspace over the Gulf of Finland on Friday without authorization. The jets reportedly lingered for 12 minutes before being intercepted by NATO forces, as confirmed by the Estonian Foreign Ministry and a spokesperson from the alliance.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized on social media that Russia’s actions compromise the security principles essential to all UN member states. He stressed the importance of addressing such actions, particularly since they are conducted by a permanent member of the Security Council.
The Estonian Foreign Ministry has described the incursion as a “blatant, reckless, and flagrant violation of NATO airspace,” highlighting Russia’s ongoing breaches of international law. In contrast, Russia’s Defense Ministry has denied any airspace breach, claiming the flights adhered strictly to international regulations. Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, echoed this denial, suggesting the accusations might exacerbate tensions.
Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, confirmed the emergency meeting’s scheduling at 10 a.m. ET on Monday. Meanwhile, Ukraine has expressed its intention to attend the session and present its viewpoint, addressing its request to the Republic of Korea, the current holder of the Security Council’s rotating presidency.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted that this is the first time in 34 years that Estonia has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, illustrating the severe nature of the threats posed by Russia to European stability. Additionally, Estonia has called for NATO Article 4 consultations, which permit any member to formally raise an issue to the alliance’s principal political decision-making body. This meeting is also slated to occur within the week.
Furthermore, Estonia joins Poland, which recently requested Article 4 consultations after Russian drones and fighter jets encroached on its airspace. In a related development, Swedish and German forces reported scrambling fighter jets on Sunday over the South Baltic Sea to track a Russian IL-20 reconnaissance plane that was flying in international airspace without a declared flight plan or radio contact. This incident underscores the rising tensions in the region.
Such events highlight the delicate geopolitical climate in Eastern Europe, with ongoing incidents escalating concerns among NATO members about regional security and the potential for further confrontations.