EU Rallies Behind Estonia, Pushes New Sanctions After Russian Airspace Violation
Brussels, September 20, 2025 — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged full support to Estonia after three Russian fighter jets were reported to have breached its airspace. She described the incident as another deliberate provocation from Moscow and urged swift approval of the EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia.
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Von der Leyen’s Message
In her remarks, von der Leyen stressed that Europe must answer every provocation with determination. “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,” she said, calling on EU leaders to finalize new restrictive measures without delay.
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The Incident
The latest tensions follow Estonia’s claim that three Russian MiG-31 jets crossed into its territory near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland, remaining inside its airspace for more than ten minutes. NATO scrambled Italian F-35s deployed under the Baltic Air Policing mission to intercept the aircraft. Estonian officials condemned the incursion as “brazen” and requested consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows allies to convene when a member feels threatened.
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Wider European Response
EU leaders are expected to debate the new sanctions package in the coming days. The measures are likely to target Russia’s energy exports, banking channels, and other critical sectors. Alongside sanctions, discussions are under way about reinforcing NATO’s presence on the alliance’s eastern flank through additional deployments and enhanced air defense systems.
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Strategic Importance
For Brussels, the violation highlights the need to strengthen Europe’s security architecture in the Baltic region. Von der Leyen’s appeal signals that the EU intends not only to hold Russia accountable economically but also to reinforce military deterrence, ensuring member states like Estonia feel fully protected under the European and NATO umbrella.
