Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed Estonia's accusations that 3 Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace on 19/9. "Russian military aircraft always strictly adhere to international law, including aviation regulations," Peskov stated.

Peskov characterized Estonia's claims as "baseless, unconvincing, and a continuation of a policy of escalating tensions and stoking a confrontational atmosphere".

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in Kazan in 10/2024. Photo: *AFP*

Estonia asserted that the 3 Russian MiG-31 fighter jets flew in its airspace for 12 minutes near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland, approximately 100 km from Tallinn. According to the Estonian military, the Russian formation did not file a flight plan, disabled their transponders, and did not communicate with air traffic control.

The Russian Ministry of Defense refuted the accusations, stating that tracking data confirmed the aircraft strictly adhered to international airspace rules and "did not violate the borders of other countries".

Location of Vaindloo Island. Graphic: *Sun*

Estonia has requested consultations under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which allows NATO members to request joint consultations when "the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of any of the parties is threatened," without necessarily triggering a military response. Tallinn also requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

NATO ambassadors are scheduled to meet on 23/9, while the Security Council meeting will take place at 10:00 (21:00 Hanoi time) today. Ukraine has also requested to participate in the meeting to present its perspective.

Nhu Tam (*Reuters, AFP*)