Russia denies MiG-31 jets violated Estonian airspace

MOSCOW/ISTANBUL

The Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets flying to the Kaliningrad region did not violate Estonian airspace.

It said the jets conducted a planned flight Friday from the Karelia region to a military airfield in Kaliningrad.

The ministry emphasized that the flight was carried out in strict compliance with international airspace regulations and the aircraft did not cross into the territory of any state, “as confirmed by objective observations.”

“During the flight, Russian aircraft did not deviate from the designated route and did not violate Estonian airspace. The flight path remained more than three kilometers away from Vaindloo Island, over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea,” it said.

Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 jets had violated its airspace near Vaindloo Island.

NATO also stated that the Russian jets had entered Estonian airspace and the alliance responded immediately to intercept and stop the aircraft.