Estonia Condemns "Grave Threat" Following Russian Warplane Incursion Near Its Airspace Amid Ukraine Conflict

 Tallinn, Estonia — The Estonian government has strongly condemned what it described as a “grave threat” after a Russian military aircraft violated NATO airspace near Estonia, citing growing tensions linked to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna issued the statement on Thursday while attending a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Antalya, Turkey. He referenced an incident that occurred on May 13, during which a Russian warplane crossed into NATO-controlled airspace to escort a vessel believed to be part of Moscow’s so-called “ghost fleet” — a network of ships used to bypass Western sanctions on oil exports.

“On May 13, a Russian military aircraft violated NATO airspace while protecting an oil tanker from the Russian ghost fleet,” Tsahkna told reporters, calling it a serious provocation.

The incident took place as Estonian forces were attempting to inspect the tanker, which had entered Estonia’s exclusive economic zone. The vessel is suspected to be part of a clandestine Russian fleet employed to discreetly export sanctioned oil amid ongoing Western embargoes.

Defense analysts have long warned that Russia operates hundreds of “ghost ships”—unregistered or disguised vessels that help the Kremlin maintain oil exports despite the embargoes imposed in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

Minister Tsahkna’s remarks underscore growing concerns among NATO allies about Russian military activity near alliance borders and the increased use of hybrid tactics, including economic violations and airspace incursions, to undermine regional stability.

The Estonian government has urged Moscow to cease such provocations and reiterated its commitment to NATO’s collective defense protocols, warning that continued violations would face unified response from the alliance.