The incursion heightened existing tensions amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, only days after more than 20 Russian drones breached Polish airspace during the night of September 9 and 10.

Margus Tsahkna, Estonia’s foreign minister, stated, “Russia has violated Estonian airspace four times this year already, which is unacceptable; however, the latest violation, involving three fighter planes, is exceptionally bold.”

Estonia’s foreign minister Margus Tsahkna said the incursion was “unprecedentedly brazen”. Source: AP / Virginia Mayo

Russian jets routinely fly over the Baltic Sea between mainland Russia and its exclave of Kaliningrad.

Russia denies wrongdoing

“The Russian aircraft did not deviate from the agreed flight path and did not violate Estonian airspace.”

Trump not briefed

The Trump administration is under scrutiny for its muted response to the drone incidents in Poland, which has caused concern among NATO members who doubt its dedication to their defense should Russia launch an attack.

NATO: ‘Reckless Russian behaviour’

European leaders reacted swiftly to the Russian jet incident on Friday, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who previously served as Estonia’s prime minister, commenting: “This was no accident.”