Repeated Russian incursions into NATO airspace not accidents, Zelenskyy warns

The president made the remarks hours after Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 aircraft violated its airspace and remained there for 12 minutes. The Estonian government subsequently invoked NATO’s Article 4 to consult with the allies on how to respond to the incursion.

“Russian fighter jets have again violated NATO airspace—this time in Estonia; this is unacceptable,” Zelenskiy wrote in a Telegram post.

“Russian destabilization is spreading to new countries and directions. They are using all the instruments: interference in political processes, as in Romania and Moldova, and airspace violations, as in Poland, Romania, and now Estonia.”  

He added that it “is not an accident” but a coordinated “Russian campaign against Europe, NATO and the West” that demands a systemic response.

“Strong actions are needed—both joint measures and steps by each individual country,” said the president.

“Russia must feel ever-increasing pain from international pressure, primarily economic, and sanctions are the best way to achieve that.”

On Sept. 10, 19 Russian UAVs flew deep into Polish airspace, with NATO scrambling jets to intercept the targets. The following day, Warsaw activated Article 4, ultimately prompting the alliance to announce Operation Eastern Sentry, deploying additional aircraft and air defense assets to Poland.