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Romania condemns violation of Estonian airspace by three Russian fighter jets
Romania condemns the violation of Estonian airspace by three Russian fighter jets, Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said on Friday in a social media post, adding that this is one more reason for the adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia.
"This action is irresponsible. It is what happens when an aggressor feels the cost of its war and attempts to escalate in order to avoid this cost by any means possible," added the head of the Romanian diplomacy.
In addition, she said, all the more reason to adopt and apply the 19th package of sanctions.
"As an EU member state and NATO ally and as country confronted with such Russian provocations, Romania expresses full solidarity with Estonia," Toiu also wrote.
On Friday morning, three Russian fighter jets and MIG-31s violated Estonian airspace, where they flew for about 12 minutes in the area of Vaindloo Island, while F-35 aircraft from the NATO air policing mission deployed in this Baltic country "responded to the incident" according to the Estonian authoritiesquoted by the Reuters and EFE news agencies.
"Three Russian MiG-31 aircraft entered Estonian airspace in the area of Vaindloo Island unauthorised, remaining in Estonian airspace for about 12 minutes," according to a statement from the Estonian Ministry of Defence.
Minister of Defense Ionut Mosteanu also condemns the violation of Estonian airspace by Russian military aircraft, stating that Romania stands in full solidarity with Estonia.
''I strongly condemn the violation of Estonian airspace by Russian military aircraft. This is yet another act of provocation and intimidation by the Russian Federation aimed at destabilizing NATO's Eastern flank and testing our unity. Romania stands in full solidarity with Estonia. Together with our Allies, we will continue to strengthen the defense of the Eastern flank and make it clear that every inch of NATO airspace is protected. Russia must understand that such provocations will not go unanswered,'' he wrote on X.
On Friday, three Russian MIG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace, flying for about 12 minutes near the island of Vaindloo, while F-35 jets from the NATO air policing mission in the Baltic country "responded to the incident," according to Estonian authorities, Reuters and EFE reported.