Russian drones and fighter jets in Poland, Romania, Estonia – Putin preparing for war against NATO?

Two Russian fighter jets breached Polish airspace, and three entered Estonian airspace. Previously, Russian drones crashed in Poland and Romania. In one shocking incident in Poland, a drone crashed into the attic of a family home, completely demolishing it. What is Putin really up to?

Two Russian fighters entered Poland

“Two Russian fighter jets performed a low pass over the Petrobaltic platform in the Baltic Sea. The platform’s safety zone was violated,” the Polish Border Guard said on US social media company X. It added that the armed forces and other services were immediately notified of the incident, the Turkish Anadolu news agency wrote.

The violation came the same day Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 jets had entered its airspace for 12 minutes in what it described as an “unprecedentedly brazen” incursion. NATO fighters responded and forced the aircraft to withdraw.

• Fierce PM Orbán-Swedish premier clash over Orbán’s Putin policy and “unbearable” life in Sweden

EU, NATO denounce alleged Russian violation of Estonian airspace

EU leaders and NATO denounced an alleged Russian violation of Estonia’s airspace on Friday. “Today’s violation of Estonia’s airspace by Russian military aircraft is an extremely dangerous provocation. This marks the third such violation of EU airspace in days and further escalates tensions in the region,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote on the US social media company, X.

She noted that Moscow is testing the “West’s resolve” and urged states not to show “weakness.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed to respond to every “provocation” with “determination” while investing in a stronger Eastern flank. “As threats escalate, so too will our pressure. I call on EU leaders to swiftly approve our 19th sanctions package,” von der Leyen added on X.

• Trump administration issues strong warning to PM Orbán over lucrative Russian deal

The NATO spokesperson further noted on X that the alliance responded “immediately” and intercepted the Russian aircraft. “This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond,” Allison Hart further noted.

Additional EU and NATO leaders respond on the breach

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK “stands with our Estonian allies” after “yet another reckless incursion into NATO airspace.” Germany’s Foreign Ministry said: “Vigilance is the price of freedom. Russia’s unacceptable violation of Estonian airspace today has shown that this principle of NATO is now more relevant than ever. Estonia and my colleague @Tsahkna have Germany’s full solidarity.”

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen called the violation “dangerous and reckless,” adding: “We remain united and committed to our objective to weaken Russia, support Ukraine and strengthen European deterrence and defence. Estonia can count on our support.”

• Click to read more of our news concerning Russia

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he spoke with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, stressing that “NATO’s response under Eastern Sentry was quick and decisive.” Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel also condemned the move, saying, “Once again, Russia is violating NATO airspace. The Netherlands condemns Russia’s reckless behaviour. We stand in full solidarity with our ally Estonia.”

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said NATO’s Baltic air policing mission must be transformed into a full air defense mission, stressing: “Latvia stands in full solidarity with our Estonian friends and neighbours.” Lithuanian presidential adviser Kestutis Budrys warned that Russia was “testing NATO’s limits,” adding: “These are not accidents. The Alliance is being tested militarily. We must sharpen NATO’s posture to the point where no one dares to test our deterrence.” Croatia’s Foreign Ministry voiced concern, calling the incursion a “serious threat” and pledging solidarity with Estonia.